Anxiety, Depression, Suicidal Ideation and Ketamine. It took only a few months for the viral disease COVID-19 to gain the status of a global pandemic after being first noticed in late 2019. It infected millions of people worldwide in such a rapid pace, and ravaged the bodies of unfortunate victims that became symptomatic with the disease. Many people lost their loved ones to this novel coronavirus and many are still trying to protect themselves and their families from contracting the disease.
The infectivity and virulence of COVID-19 created fear and stress among many individuals. With government lockdowns, quarantining and isolation, these feelings quickly changed into anxiety and depression, which is a known link to substance abuse, suicidal ideations, and other mental health conditions. Historically, one can see a correlation between extreme pandemics and the exaggeration of mental illness.
Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Illnesses
The U.S. government imposed a lockdown to slow the spread of COVID – 19, which no doubt helped slow the spread of the disease; yet, it also affected the mental well-being of many in a negative way. Like previous pandemics, this one has caused an increase in depression, frustration, anger, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and domestic violence. Studies show that the impact of pandemics on the mental well-being of a person can last months to years after the course of a disease.
Most people of the 21st century, especially in cosmopolitan ares are used to living a fast, free and busy life. The imposed locked down has forced people to stay at home, secluded from nature, and most likely from their family and friends as well. Many have also lost their jobs during the surge of COVID-19. This huge change in lifestyle and socialization has negatively impacted a lot of individuals, but especially those who are already struggling from mental health issues.
COVID-19 and Depression
Depression is the leading mental health condition exacerbated during these times of global health and financial crisis. Almost every one had to change their lifestyle to help slow the spread of the illness. Many are left feeling helpless to protect themselves from this deadly virus. Many lost their jobs, and some even their loved ones to the disease. The loss of social contacts, the dominating fear for personal safety and the safety of their loved ones, and the uncertainty of job and economic security is enough to push anyone to the brink of mental and emotional fatigue. For those previously suffering from mental illness, these can trigger severe depression.
Suicidal Thoughts
When depression becomes severe, and mental and emotional anguish becomes difficult to bear, the person suffering may start planning an exit strategy. It can be triggered by prolonged isolation and the lack of or absence of social support. When the country gets back to its normal routine before the pandemic, those with mental conditions that have been made worse by the pandemic may find it difficult to get back to their life as it was. Many will still get suicidal thoughts if they do not get help in a timely manner.
If you or anyone you love is having suicidal thoughts, please reach out to our office anytime. With our ketamine infusion treatment, we would be more than glad to help you get back to your life again. If you want additional support, you can also contact National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at their number 1-800-273-8255.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
People have been talking about the effect of COVID-19 on depression and anxiety but only a few have put a stress on how it may cause a lifetime of trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs when you face trauma in life and then remain fearful and feel threatened for an indefinite period of time after the trauma.
Many people who have lost their loved ones due to COVID-19 have a higher risk of developing PTSD. During the traumatic events, different people react in different ways, this reaction determines how early a person comes out of this traumatized state.
There are many treatments available for PTSD. Ketamine infusion therapy is one of the treatment available which has an almost immediate effect and has a high success rate. If you think you are experiencing this condition, please reach out to us anytime to speak with our supportive staff
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health issue in which the sufferer has many unwanted thoughts that force him or her to do an action over and over again. It may occur due to the habits that you may have developed over a long period of time to alleviate anxiety.
If you had OCD before this pandemic, then chances are your old habits have returned to disrupt your life. The changes in our behavior such as cleaning a surface more often, washing hands excessively, wearing masks or gloves, using sanitizer that healthcare professionals recommended to slow the spread, have also played a key role in aggravating OCD in its sufferers. There are techniques you can use to become more aware of how you are responding to the guidelines set forth against the virus.
Drug Abuse
Substance abuse is not an uncommon occurrence many individuals resort to when they feel anxious, stressed, hopeless and depressed. COVID-19 has turned many people towards alcohol and recreational drug use to self-medicate to escape the global health and financial crisis.
Ketamine infusion therapy can be an effective treatment towards substance abuse to get rid of maladaptive reward memories (MRM).
We know that these days can be very difficult to navigate; but remember that you are not alone. Many are going through the same things. We at MindBody Therapeutics are always here to listen to whatever you have on your heart and mind. We will comfort you and offer support to get your life back. For those seeking help, our Ketamine Clinic is open, our ketamine infusions offer an extremely high success rate in helping those with mental health conditions. More than 70% experience effective relief within days.