week 15 Crisis intervention

Name Zoraida Seoane

Lecturer Crisis Intervention

Date 09/07/2020

Introduction

Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) is a highly infectious disease declared a global health emergency in January 2020 by the World Health Organization (Roser et al., 2020). This pandemic has rapidly spread across the world since the first case was reported in China. The impacts of Covid-19 have caused a considerable degree of fear, concern, and worry, especially among the aged generation and those living with underlying medical conditions (Roser et al., 2020). Since no vaccine or cure was invented against the pandemic, death toll and infection cases rose after the outbreak. This has caused social disruptions by changing the usual ways of life and the worldwide economic crisis.Covid-19 has mentally and psychologically affected the general population regarding cognitive capacity and emotions (Motlova et al., 2017). Authorities around the world have been seeking alternative resolution measures such as Psychoeducation to combat Covid-19. Psychoeducation establishes systematic, broad, relevant, and updated info about a condition or a disease, including its diagnostic and treatment process. The paper discusses how Psycho-education has been used to contribute to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Through Psychoeducation, factual information about Covid-19 has been provided (Motlova et al., 2017). During the initial phases, the pandemic was faced with myths and misconceptions. For example, claims were being spread that 5G network technology caused covid-19, and drinking breaches and disinfectants could cure the pandemic (Okunlola et al., 2020). These unverified claims caused fear among the public, but factual information about the Corona Virus has been relayed through Psychoeducation. For instance, about how Covid-19 spreads and measures to minimize the spread. Gradually, people have learned to avoid physical contact while keeping social distancing.

Different aspects of living with illnesses have been communicated to family members and relatives treated with Covid-19 symptoms through Psychoeducation. Just like during the initial phases of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, patients of Covid-19 and their families faced social stigma (Ho et al., 2020). The social stigma was high among family members, but through Psychoeducation, Covid-19 victims have learned how to manage the infection with intervention from families through isolation.

Psychoeducation seems to reduce the burden in isolation centers by advocating for home-based care where applicable (Banerjee et al., 2020). Authorities all over the world have been overwhelmed by providing isolation centers for suspected Corona Virus cases. Since the disease is manageable, most asymptomatic cases have been managed at home (Banerjee et al., 2020). Through Psychoeducation, Corona Virus patients with no underlying medical condition have recovered through home-based care. Management procedures have been conveyed with the right information on what to eat and how long patients should stay in isolation before re-testing.

Psychosocial education has beneficial effects on a patient's anxiety and stress (Motlova et al., 2017). Initially, there was a perception that one dies after contracting Covid-19. This caused anxiety and stress to patients and their relatives. The stress levels were worsened by patients being put in isolation and not interacting with their loved ones. Through Psychoeducation, it has been set that Covid-19 is manageable and not a death sentence. Isolation and social distancing measures are now viewed as a form of "love" since it's a significant way to contain spread to the loved ones.

Depression and boredom have been reported amongst the healthy population (Khan et al., 2020). Regular daily routines have been affected by the imposed lockdown as added measures to contain Covid-19. Students are now studying online rather than going to school while people stay at home instead of going to work (Khan et al., 2020). There is so much uncertainty since there is no assurance of how long this pandemic will last until a vaccine is found. However, through online and television Psychoeducation, people are gradually accepting the new normal. Depression and boredom levels are declining since the imposed curfews and lockdowns are meant to keep them safe (Khan et al., 2020). The majority of the affected are now seeking alternative means like working from home as economic empowerment during the pandemic.

Through Psychoeducation, necessary measures to adhere to has been communicated. Psychoeducation's primary goal is to reduce patients' levels of stress and anxiety (Smith et al., 2020). To achieve this, patients have been advised to consume information from trustworthy sources. For example, the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are among the trusted authorities to get reliable information about Covid-19. Also, psychoeducation experts have advocated that the infected and the affected should reduce media exposure and follow up (Smith et al., 2020). Media acts as a catalyst in pandemic times by continuously reminding people of infection cases and death tolls. Media intake culminates in fear, anxiety, and stress that worsen a patient's morale to fight a condition.

Finally, psychosocial education is being used to caution the vulnerable groups against Covid-19 (Motlova et al., 2017). According to WHO, vulnerable groups include; the aged population and people with underlying medical illnesses. Their caregivers are requested to share simple facts and give information on reducing the risk of infection. For those with cognitive impairment, psychosocial education directs that simple words should be used when communicating to them to help them understand why visitation from relatives has reduced. Communications to the vulnerable groups with stress and cognitive disadvantages should be concise, clear, and conveyed respectfully.

To conclude, Covid-19 has caused the introduction of quarantine, cessation of movements, lockdowns, and more so it has impacted our social norms. The psychological impacts are wide-ranging, which has been worsened by economic disruption due to the Coronavirus. Through Psychoeducation, experts are reminding the various affected subpopulations to mind about their mental health. More importantly, Psychoeducation has contributed to combating Covid-19 by influencing the acceptance of the "new normal" amongst the affected.

References

Banerjee, D., D’Cruz, M. M., & Rao, T. S. (2020). Coronavirus disease 2019 and the elderly: Focus on psychosocial well-being, agism, and abuse prevention–An advocacy review. Journal of Geriatric Mental Health, 7(1), 4.

Ho, C. S., Chee, C., & Ho, R. (2020). Mental health strategies to combat the psychological impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) beyond paranoia and panic. Ann Acad Med Singapore, 49(3), 1-6.

Khan, S., Siddique, R., Li, H., Ali, A., Shereen, M. A., Bashir, N., & Xue, M. (2020). Impact of coronavirus outbreak on psychological health. Journal of Global Health, 10(1).

Motlova, L. B., Balon, R., Beresin, E. V., Brenner, A. M., Coverdale, J. H., Guerrero, A. P., ... & Roberts, L. W. (2017). Psychoeducation as an opportunity for patients, psychiatrists, and psychiatric educators: Why do we ignore it?

Okunlola, M. A., Lamptey, E., Senkyire, E. K., Dorcas, S., & Dooshima, B. A. (2020). Perceived Myths and Misconceptions about the Novel COVID-19 Outbreak. SciMedicine Journal, 2(3), 108-117.

Roser, M., Ritchie, H., Ortiz-Ospina, E., & Hasell, J. (2020). Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). Our World in Data.

Smith, G., Harman, S., & Brenner, K. (2020). Flattening the curve of distress: A public-facing webinar for psychoeducation during COVID-19. Patient Experience Journal, 7(2), 151-155.