Health sector battle fatigue now appears in general population
▶ Psychologists say stress suffered by caring professions has become part of broader coronavirus problem
The number of people who seek help for psychological stress related to the coronavirus rose significantly, a report by psychiatrists from Dubai said.
The pandemic’s effect on the mental health of hospital workers is well documented, but psychiatrists now say that the problem is being reported more frequently in the general population.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common diagnoses in patients who spend prolonged periods in hospital, or those who witness the struggles of loved ones who were struck down by the coronavirus.
“Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking help regarding their mental health problems, and PTSD has been common,” said Dr Haseeb Rohilla, a psychiatrist at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai.
“Their symptoms are very similar to those who are healthcare professionals and [they] are witnessing patients struggle as well as family members, friends and others.”
Common causes of PTSD include the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness either in oneself or a loved one, sudden death of a friend or relative, or witnessing the death of, or serious injury to, another.
Symptoms typically involve intrusive and uncontrollable repeats of aspects of the trauma in the form of fragmented images, memories, flashbacks, and nightmares of the traumatic event.
Some may deliberately shut off memory of the traumatic experience, while others experience diminished interest in activities in general, a sense of detachment and emotional numbness.
“Recovery from PTSD is greatly aided by good social support, and family and friends can play a vital role,” Dr Rohilla said.
“Without [treatment] the condition may follow a chronic course over many years with eventual transition to an enduring personality change.”
Several published and peer-reviewed studies told of earlier related viral outbreaks involving PTSD among health professionals.
The severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers), and the 2009 novel influenza A (H1N1) were all associated with issues among health workers.
Research by King’s College London found almost half of staff working in intensive care units in England during the coronavirus pandemic also suffered severe anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Counsellors in Dubai said that trend was now being replicated in those most affected by the virus outside of hospital professionals.
Marie Byrne, who runs a wellness clinic in Dubai and volunteers as a counsellor for the National Programme for Happiness and Well-being, said people with coronavirus-related anxiety were experiencing battle fatigue.
“Since September, the reasons people are coming to the clinic have changed,” Ms Byrne said.
“Most people now have issues related to anxiety from Covid-19 that are presenting in stress disorders.
“They have been in battle against Covid for a year, and there will still be uncertainty about what happens in the future.”
The mental health support line is one of the main initiatives under the umbrella of the Higher National Committee for Regulating Volunteering.
Ms Byrne is one of 16 volunteers who provide support and counselling to those who need it most, usually over the phone but also through WhatsApp messaging through the national programme.
“There is always an Arabic and English speaker on shift at a time, so the service is open to all,” she said.
“It is a well-organised service that is in demand.”
Those in need can call the free helpline on 800 4673 or send a WhatsApp message to the same number between 8am and 8pm daily.