‘Isolation’, ‘Quarantine’, ‘Incarceration’, words like these have surely had their literal/literary connotations in context of the human society since long. Recently, with reference to the current pandemic COVID -19, they have attained new levels of meaning. Unfortunately, the repercussions are definitely more serious than we had ever thought possible.
Social Distancing: New Challenges
With the current lockdown scenario imposed in the entire world, following the model of China and subsequently Italy, we now have the words ‘Social Distancing’ and ‘Shelter-in-place’. This will certainly come with a price tag, i.e., the psychological fallout of social isolation and clinical depression.
It is definitely an alarming time, especially for the vulnerable elderly affected with illnesses like Alzheimer’s, Dementia. Moreover, it will be equally challenging for mental health patients of all ages worldwide, according to renowned mental health experts.
Experts all across the world unanimously agree that the effort to keep all citizens at home, practiced effectively, can slow down the spreading of the deadly COVID-19 or corona virus, which is termed as ‘flattening the curve’.
However, as they strive to accomplish that, the huge lack of social connectedness will have a psychological toll on individuals quarantined. According to Joshua Morganstein, a psychiatrist and disaster mental health expert at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Md., it might have other serious consequences.
Lack of Social Connectedness: Stressful Times
How would elderly people with mental conditions including Alzheimer’s, anxiety disorders and severe depression deal with these stressful times?
According to Morganstein’s explanation, social connectedness is as integral to these patients’ lives as eating. Hence the lack of it is sure to induce a lot of psychological stress in such patients, already leading dysfunctional lives.
In the recent times, we have known about the importance of socialization in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Various studies suggested that though socialization can be intimidating and challenging for such patients, it promotes brain health and a sense of inclusion. According to research, it can also potentially slow the progress of these conditions.
But as the ‘social isolation blues’ are settling in, the protective benefits of such social connections might be difficult to accomplish now.
Hard Facts: Alzheimer Society
The recent press release of the Alzheimer Society, Canada states that COVID -19 can have more serious impact with the vulnerable elderly population. The impact can be serious for patients with underlying chronic health issues including diabetes, stroke and dementia. Moreover, the strategies involved to minimize spreading the corona virus, including social distancing, restricting in-person visits to assisted living facilities, rehab centres etc. are particularly challenging for elderly patients with dementia, compromised memory and limited cognitive abilities. In Alzheimer’s patients, dependence on their caregivers is especially crucial not only for daily living, but also for their mental wellbeing. Thus, it presents an unprecedented challenge.
On the other hand, social isolation gives birth to acute loneliness, which is again strongly associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, stress and insomnia. As of now, there hasn’t been adequate studies on the psychological effect of social distancing, particularly during epidemics. However, some data on the quarantined individuals during epidemics like SARS, Ebola, H1N1 Flu clearly show that there is an increased risk of psychological problems, especially when the quarantine period lasts beyond weeks.
Building an Online Community:
Since we are living in extraordinary times, it is crucial to consider how even with strict social distancing measures, we can touch the lives of patients who need the goodness of affection, tender love and care. Though the statistics of loneliness and isolation in Americans aged 65 and older, published by the National Academy of Sciences seems quite overwhelming, a continuous mitigation is in place to build an online community to provide medical and psychological care to such patients. Though we are aware that technology cannot substitute human interaction and its long-term benefits, it provides some kind of meaningful communication, which might help such patients alleviate their loneliness to some extent. It’s one of the biggest catastrophes of the century, and we must fight it together!
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