We are experiencing an exceptional situation with the emergence of this pandemic that requires the preventive confinement of the population in their homes. The effects and psychological consequences of this “no freedom of movement” are many and varied, depending to a large extent on personal circumstances; I believe that it will affect more the older population living alone, who will be left with a greater sense of isolation, especially within large cities.
Our society is characterized by an excess of stimuli that leads to a consumption of time in activities of all kinds, work, family and even leisure, which should be liberating and restorative, becomes another element of stress. And suddenly, “a break” and the big question: what to do with all this time?
Possibly anxiety as a response to this situation is more frequent and more generalized among the population, as well as boredom, sadness and despondency (discouragement in daily life), elements that make up a “depressive mood” or dysthymic, but not a true depression.
For the first time, we must organize and plan our time, within a specific space and with the stimuli we are able to generate, although it is not so serious, we have TV, internet, social networks, etc.
What can be warning signs to see that someone may be suffering from depression in this situation?
The speed with which events have occurred and the realization that we are not safe, that we have no control over certain situations, which we only thought possible in less developed societies, or in movies, has caused stupefaction and a certain state of shock. This feeling of vulnerability can provoke in certain people an alteration in their mood, fear, anxiety and finally depression.
People with a history of depression are more vulnerable to this situation.
In general we would speak of reactive depressions, produced by a problem, the current isolation, the fear of catching the disease, the fear that their loved ones are infected, the concern for the immediate future, especially at the labor and economic level.
The signs are:
- Insomnia.
- Apathy, disinterest in the environment.
- Abandonment of personal hygiene habits and cleanliness of the environment.
- Unmotivated crying.
- Recurrent anxiety episodes.
- Isolation within the family environment in which they live.
Recommendations for depressed people to cope better with this situation of confinement.
For these people the current situation is much more complicated, because they already have a tendency to isolate themselves and disengage from their surroundings. Their level of affectivity is usually altered, as well as their communication is very precarious. Their thinking is full of negative elements that prevent them from coping with day-to-day life.
For this reason, patients suffering from depression:
- They can and should ask their physician for authorization to be able to go out at some time during the day.
- It is essential that they maintain a routine of hygiene and daily habits.
- Adherence to psychopharmacological treatment must be strict and supervised.
- It is important that we encourage them to engage in short but varied physical or intellectual activities with their family members.
- And above all, they should not be alone.