WHO On the Mental Health Impact of Coronavirus

The World Health Organization is acknowledging that the coronavirus is causing stress globally. They recently published a guidebook of mental health tips for health-care workers, caretakers of children and older adults and people in isolation.

The guidelines were developed by WHO's mental health department and provide information for the general population. They strongly advised for people to not attach coronavirus with a specific ethnicity or nationality. The guide says:

"Be empathetic to those who got affected, in and from any country, those with the disease have not done anything wrong."

WHO also advises for people to not refer to those with the disease as "COVID-19 cases" or "victims." Instead, use terms like "people who have COVID-19" or "People who are being treated for COVID-19."

The guide also advises against consuming news that makes people feel anxious or distressed and to focus on facts and not rumors.

For health-care workers, the guide says to manage work-related stress by using positive coping methods like exercising and staying connected with friends and family. It did warn however thjat health-care workers may experience isolation by their loved ones because of the stigma associated with the disease. In this case, WHO recommends staying connected through technology and leaning on co-workers for social support.

When it comes to caring for children, WHO says that during times of stress and crisis, children are more likely to seek attachment and may be demanding on their parents. The guide advised to speak to children about the disease in an age appropriate way to to keep their kids close to their family. Allow children to express their emotions through creative activities like playing and art. Try to stick to your daily routine as much as possible, especially when in confinement.

Older adults may become more anxious, angry and agitated due to the outbreak, especially if they are in isolation or have cognitive decline/dementia according to WHO. The guide advises caretakers to explain the outbreak and how to reduce the risk of infection in a clear, respectful manner. Use literature and pictures if necessary.

For those in isolation, WHO offers some tips on staying connected through email, social media, video conferencing and phone. They also recommend sticking to a daily routine and engaging in stimulating but relaxing activities.

I think that it is great that WHO is addressing the mental health impact if this wild situation that we have found ourselves in. Staying calm is hard, but it will be beneficial to all of us to pay as much attention to and to take as much care of our mental health as we are our physical health.