HANDLING PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN QUARANTINE: COVID 19 TIMES!

*Dr. Sonia Datta, Dr. Pankaj Datta, Laavanya Datta and Dr. Dhaniram Talukder

ABSTRACT

The December, 2019 coronavirus disease outbreak or COVID19; has seen many countries ask people who have potentially come into contact with the infection to isolate themselves at home or in a dedicated quarantine facility. Most of the published literature has reported negative psychological effects including post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), confusion, and anger. Stressors consist of longer quarantine duration, infection fears, frustration, boredom, inadequate supplies, inadequate information, financial loss, and stigma. Separation from beloved, restrictions, improbability over disease status, and boredom can, occasionally, create dramatic effects. Suicide has been reported, substantial anger generated; following the obligation of quarantine in prior epidemics. The potential benefits of compulsory mass quarantine need to be weighed carefully against the possible psychological costs. COVID 19 has a long term negative effect and additional psychosocial stress on frontline Healthcare workers (HCW). The present review article addresses few psychosocial impacts of the pandemic and how to handle these issues. Identification of signs and symptoms is helpful in early intervention. As a health care source, one is seen as a dependable and reliable supply of information. The people should be encouraged to remain in touch with each other over virtual means. Finally, if a non mental health care provider comes across anyone having noteworthy distress; they should be referred to a mental health professional.

Keywords: Covid 19, Quarantine, isolation, Psychosocial Issues, Social Stigma, Financial loss, Frustration, Boredom, Stress Symptoms.