Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as a Potential side effect of Covid-19

The world is rapidly changing in front of our eyes, even if our eyes are closed. Climate change, social unrest, political disarray, technological advance, and a global pandemic have all contributed to an obligatory transformation. People are becoming more conscious of how their footprint effects the environment and pushing for new greener options in all aspects of life. Politicians are slowly starting to put laws in place to create change. Developing technologies are allowing us to create material aspects that will propel us into the future and people are going back to the roots of what is really important in life due to the pandemic. Of course, these are the positive aspects that are beginning to form from chaos. However, there is a darker component that has emerged in the last year.

I think we are all very aware that each time a new wave of Covid-19 and quarantine comes, our resilience to “temper the storm” declines. “In August 2020 the CDC published results of a large US web-based survey of more than 5000 adults in which 40.9% endorsed at least 1 adverse mental or behavioral health problem related to the pandemic. Symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder were reported by 26.3%, symptoms of anxiety or depression by 30.9%, substance use to cope by 13.3%, and serious consideration of suicide in the prior days by 10.7%. Suicidal ideation was significantly higher for younger respondents aged 18 to 24 years (25.5%), minority groups (Hispanic individuals, 18.6%; Black individuals, 15.1%), nonpaid caregivers for adults (30.7%), and essential workers (21.7%)” (Czeisler ME, June 2020). Another study of 180 patients in France, by DR Mathilde Horn, reports that after the first confinement in May 2020, 33% of patients presented with a symptom of psychological stress and 7% with PTSD.

            According to the American Psychological Association; PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is an anxiety problem that develops in some people after extremely traumatic events, such as combat, crime, an accident or natural disaster.

People with PTSD may relive the event via intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares; avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma; and have anxious feelings they didn’t have before that are so intense their lives are disrupted.

            We have all heard about our veterans suffering from PTSD after coming back from war or women suffering from it after sexual assaults. However, having a global pandemic and watching people that we know and love die from Covid-19 is a huge trauma for some people. Our frontline “healthcare workers who have close contact with COVID patients are not only exposed to the virus on a regular basis, but they may also be witnessing increased illnesses, deaths, and supply shortages. In addition, patients admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 experience social isolation, physical discomfort, and fear for survival”. (King, s.d.)

Unfortunately, it is not only our frontline workers or patients that suffer from it. We have all been affected by this pandemic even if it is as small as wondering why people aren’t wearing masks and hugging as we watch some pre-Covid-19 movies. There are several factors why some people are coping better with it than others. It all has to do with whether or not we have protective factors, previous stressors, the types and number of stressors we have in our lives now. 

1.     What are Protective Stressors?

·      Affordable Healthcare resources

·      Social support (even if on video)

·      Financial Stability

·      No previous psychological trauma

·      Safe work place

·      Ability to unwind through an activity

·      Having access to a mental health provider 

2.     What are Previous Stressors?           

·      Childhood Trauma

·      Severe Illness

·      Witnessing death

·       Addiction

·      Death of a loved one due to Covid-19 

3.     What are Daily Stressors? 

·      Loss of income 

·      Loss of employment

·      Illness

·      Social isolation

·      Be a caregiver

·      Covid-19 exposure

·      Inadequate childcare

·      Inability of physical activity

·      Lack of social or family support

·      Addiction or increase of drug and alcohol use

 The combination of these three factors could determine our mental health. It is vital that if you or someone you know is suffering from PTSD or symptoms of stress, depressions, or and anxiety gets help. The first major step for bettering mental health is acknowledging issues. There is a plethora of treatments available in each country. Taking care of mental health will allow you to take care of material things in life. 

What Can You Do to Make You Feel Better?

 Laughing: This is free and easy to do. It might sound lame but laughing releases endorphins. Its not always easy in these times to find something to laugh about but one shouldn’t take themselves too seriously. 

 Diet: A well balance diet with plenty of water and low refined sugar.

 Journaling: Keeping a daily journal of thoughts and feelings can help evacuate unnecessary negativity and put things into perspective.  

 Yoga or physical exercise: It’s a common know fact that exercise releases endorphins which is neurochemical called peptide. Endorphins reduce stress and enhance pleasure. Putting exercise into your weekly routine (3-5 times per week) not only reduces stress but helps sleep.

 Acupuncture:  It’s an alternative medicine that is used for a variety of different ailments including stress and depression.

 Reiki :  is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. 

Hypnotherapy: is a form of psychotherapy utilized to create unconscious change in the patient in the form of new responses, thoughts, attitudes, behaviors and/or feelings.

Finding a certified and trained hypnotherapist decreases anxiety and stress. 

 Psychotherapy: Seeing a therapist to get you over this hard time in your life is one of the best things that can help if you are suffering from PTSD, stress, and or depression. 

 Medication: Find a psychiatrist and speak with them about what medication could be right for you. Each person is different, so you would need to find the right cocktail for you.

What I find that works best for clients is a holistic approach; meaning that a combination of treatments yields the best results. The severity of issues can fall in a large spectrum from light to severe, the severity needs to be taken into account when seeking treatment.  Also, if there are any comorbid disorders like addiction, those need to be dealt with first or at the same time. The best thing to do is to reach out for help. There is no reason why you should suffer in silence.