By Dr Emmanuel Mpamizo
For the first time in recent history, the world has been brought to a standstill. Schools have been indefinitely closed, restrictions imposed on travel and public transport, businesses have had to close.
As if that is not bad enough, churches, mosques and other places of worship have also had to shut their doors on ardent believers. This has not parted them from their God, since God is omnipresent, but has cut them off from the social ties and rituals that characterise places of worship.
All these changes have happened abruptly and have set up a climate that does not foster good mental health. Below are 5 psychological illnesses that are expected to rise and possibly cause as much harm as the Coronavirus disease.
Anxiety
Anxiety for the most part is normal. It is what one feels before an important examination, a job interview or even a first date. One feels like they are on edge and may experience other signs such as sweating, trembling and a racing heartbeat. A psychological condition referred to generally as anxiety disorder can cause one to feel anxious all the time, experience episodes of extreme panic, have difficulty in falling asleep, even when there is no good reason.
OCD
This is an abbreviation for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. OCD is wrongly portrayed in the media as a desirable or even enviable trait where the sufferer is organized, neat and almost perfect.
In reality, a person with OCD is tormented by their own thoughts. Many of which are irrational and may cause one become obsessed with cleanliness, orderliness, hand washing, numbers, prayers and other actions which may be repeated over and over.
Alcohol Addiction
A person is said to be addicted to alcohol when their whole life revolves around the bottle and they find it difficult to function without it. Because of the lockdown situation, some have resorted to consuming alcohol in excess and since the normal pre-COVID checks of work, bedtime and social responsibility are absent it is easier now to get addicted. In medical circles, the easiest way to tell that someone may be having a problem with alcohol is to ask if they consume alcohol in the morning- as an eye opener.
Depression
This condition has signs of lack of sleep or too much sleep, poor appetite, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, forgetfulness, low mood with or without crying spells and sometimes suicidal thoughts. It can occur in anyone but it is more in people who are not gainfully employed, people struggling with family problems like domestic violence and divorce, those dealing with financial challenges and those suffering from long term medical illnesses.
Suicide
It is unfortunate when a person dies. Worse if it is by their own hand. The reality is suicide is a big problem all over the world and records show it is getting worse. In Uganda, people who end their own lives commonly die from taking poison, strangulation by a rope, jumping from high buildings and drowning. More cases are likely to be reported because of the social isolation caused by the lockdown and rise of mental illness and substance abuse.
PS: Do you know someone suffering from a psychological illness? Would you like to help them access treatment or share your own story? Get in touch with us. (WhatsApp or call 0712340069/0701431898, or email wizomymizo@gmail.com)
