Confinement puts the mental health of the most vulnerable at risk

The confinement introduced by the coronavirus affects vulnerable groups in particular.

More and more voices are warning of an increase in mental disorders as a result of an increase in mental disorders as a result of coronavirus confinement..

Psychologists and health experts warn of the negative impact on the mental health of the most vulnerable people in at-risk groups, such as the chronically ill and individuals with previous psychiatric pathologies.

How does confinement influence at-risk groups?

People suffering from previous psychiatric pathologies are a significant risk group.It is known that the longer the time spent in quarantine or confinement, the greater the likelihood that the pathology will worsen. Psychological distress is common both during and after the period of confinement. In people already suffering from anxiety, the sense of helplessness and lack of control induced by forced confinement only exacerbates the mental pathology.

Working in the healthcare sector and having financial problems are also predisposing factors. are also predisposing factors for worse mental health in an extraordinary context such as the one we live in. "People diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and those who suffer from specific hygiene and cleaning phobias are especially vulnerable in this type of situation, and more and more people are asking for help to cope with the anguish of isolation," say Psonríe, one of the largest Spanish-speaking online psychology apps that has seen demands for psychological help increase by 200% in the last two weeks.

Stressors or factors that worsen mental health

Research has shown that certain factors are associated with poorer mental health in a quarantine and confinement setting. associated with poorer mental health in the context of quarantine and epidemic confinement, and may be responsible for the exacerbation of certain mental pathologies. and may be responsible for the exacerbation of certain mental pathologies.

Duration of quarantine

Studies indicate that a longer duration of quarantine is related to the aggravation of mental health, specifically post-traumatic stress symptoms, avoidance behaviors and anger crises.

Fear of infection

People in quarantine tend to report fears about their own health or infecting others. Those most affected tend to exhibit obsessive thoughts and worry about experiencing any physical symptoms potentially related to infection. This occurs more in pregnant women and people with children.

3. Frustration and boredom

Confinement, loss of habitual routines, and reduced social and physical contact generates boredom, frustration and a sense of isolation.. People who have more difficulty managing these emotions are more adversely affected.

4. Inadequate information

Consuming hoaxes or biased information is a stressor and generates confusion. Lack of clarity about the level of risk leads people to fear the worst and is a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress symptoms.

People with severe mental disorders: the forgotten ones of this crisis

If there is one group that is particularly vulnerable to this exceptional situation of confinement and of which very little is said, it is that of people with severe mental disorders and chronic pathologiesThe health resources that used to support them in their daily lives have been reduced to a minimum.

Individuals with schizophrenia, psychosis, personality disorders and other psychiatric pathologies are today the forgotten victims of this pandemic.

Although it may be thought that people with schizophrenia and other psychoses tend to spend time at home and confinement can be made more bearable, this is not so, and there is already data confirming that there is an aggravation of pathologies due to lack of follow-up, reduced adherence to treatment, flare-ups of the disease, etc. In short, a significant deterioration in the quality of life of all these people..

And then what? The post-coronavirus panorama

The evidence at our disposal from previous epidemics leads us to think that This crisis will be no different and will also have a significant psychological impact on the population. on the population.

Increased anxiety problems, stress, depressive disorders and aggravation of previous psychiatric pathologies will be part of the post-coronavirus healthcare landscape.

To reduce the psychological impact and address the mental health problems that have been generated by the confinement, there is an increasing demand for online psychology services that, like Psonríe, allow you to talk to a psychologist instantly, 24 hours a day and completely anonymously.

These online psychological help sessions are essential for all those who have seen their mental health suffer as a result of confinement and want to regain vitality and wellbeing in their daily lives.