Covid-19 Local News News COVID-19 and depression Barbados Today28/02/2021095 views By Shauntée L. Walters, MSc. Registered Counselling Psychologist Life Intervention and Support Services For the past year, we have been hearing about the many mental health challenges being faced by the population, and as time goes on, the rapid rate at which these challenges are increasing. One of these challenges is depression. What is depression? Depression is a medical illness that impacts how we think, feel, and act. (APA 2020) Some of the symptoms include persistent feelings of sadness, disinterest in things that once brought us pleasure, changes in appetite, changing sleep patterns, dismal outlook on life, difficulty concentrating and focusing; and thoughts of death or suicide. Factors including our genetic make-up, low self-esteem, illnesses, relationship challenges, feeling isolated or lonely, and worrying; make us vulnerable to developing depression. While stressful and unexpected life events which lead to loss, stress, or illness can serve as precipitates of depression. (Black Dog Wellness 2020) Covid -19 has become both a predisposing factor, making us more vulnerable; and a precipitating factor — causing the undesired event to take place — depression. Who gets depressed? Depression is an illness that can affect everyone regardless of sex, age, race, and social or economic status. Although there may be greater levels of predisposing factors in specific groups, everyone is vulnerable. More than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression and it is considered the leading cause of disability worldwide. (WHO 2020) Manifestations COVID-19 had caused an almost worldwide depression. People of all ages have been faced with multiple losses due to death, families being separated, and employment being suspended or lost. Lockdowns have led to isolation and loneliness and worry about being infected has been triggering for all. Persons with pre-existing mental health conditions have seen an increase or recurrence in symptoms and many have developed issues where before there were none. Those with chronic illnesses have also experienced flares and amplified reactions in their bodies compared to what they would have previously known. All resulting from the mental health issues brought on by COVID. There is a sadness associated with being restricted in movement. We have just come through our first weekend of being at “stop” instead of “pause”. Previous to this, we saw many persons breaking curfew and protocols. From the outside, it seems careless and selfish; but the deeper psychological issue is one of helplessness and hopelessness and having no control over self. These behaviours represent in many ways a subconscious battle to maintain or regain control, which has been taken by a faceless enemy. They are manifestations of depression. What to do? In order for us to deal with depression, we need to admit, to ourselves first, that it exists. Depression is an illness just like any other which can be treated; with lifestyle adjustments, medication, and professional intervention. Here are a few tips: Have a routine for your day, including bedtime. Eat healthy foods; do not skip meals. Minimize social media and news surrounding COVID. Look only to reputable sources and limit yourself to perhaps one news program per day. Intentionally keep in contact with family, friends, and loved ones through phones and other devices. Exercise. Plan relaxation for yourself: whether a bath or shower or just a relaxing drink on your patio. Plan household/ family activities: games/ movie night or a special meal together each week. Practice gratitude and focus intentionally on what you have instead of what you do not have. Talk with friends and family about your feelings. Ask for help if you realize you are no longer functioning at the level you know you can or wish to. Talk to your medical doctor; call a mental health professional, or contact the COVID Hotline at 536-4500. Above all, do not sit back and do nothing. Having depression may be scary and difficult but it does not have to be a permanent situation. This article appears in the February 22 edition of COVID Weekly. Read the full publication here.