The World Health Organization (WHO) has continuously expressed to the public that maintaining social or physical distancing as well as home quarantine are some of the steps to avoid spreading the virus. However, as the measures to keep the virus at bay become more stringent, mental health experts are warning that isolation and the loss of social connections have taken a toll on the psychological wellbeing of people.
People of all ages can contract COVID-19; however, the WHO identified elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions to be especially vulnerable to the novel coronavirus and more prone to being severely ill with it. In a study report, it was established that social isolation and loneliness in the elderly are public health risks that significantly affect a large portion of the older adult population.
A rapid review of the psychological impact of social distancing published in The Lancet has revealed that a large number of individuals on quarantine have experienced short-term and long-term effects on their mental health. Twenty-four (24) studies were included in the review. These researches have revealed that social isolation has significant negative psychological effects.
Some of these negative impacts include confusion, anger, and the exhibition of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Some stressors identified were the long duration of isolation and quarantine, fears of infection, boredom, inadequate supplies and information, stigma, and financial loss, among others.
Nonetheless, the potential epidemiological benefits of compulsory mass quarantine need to be considered carefully against the possible costs and toll it may take on a person's psychological wellbeing. In G James Rubin and Simon Wessely's review entitled, "The Psychological Effects of Quarantining a Aity", the authors expressed that in weighing the benefits of mandatory mass quarantine versus its psychological costs is a judgment that should not be taken lightly. They particularly noted what is happening in Wuhan.
A study published in 2008 illustrated the toll of the 2003 SARS outbreak to 549 hospital employees in Beijing, China. The study aimed to examine symptoms of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence among the employees. The 2003 SARS outbreak has resulted in a significant effect on the psychological wellbeing of the employees. Their current alcohol abuse or dependence was positively associated with working in high-risk locations and being quarantined during the outbreak.
The elderly who are more at risk of getting severely ill from the virus would be more vulnerable to the psychological impact of social isolation. Generally, however, loneliness, isolation, and chronic stress can also affect the overall health and wellbeing of a person across all age groups. Social isolation is also associated with an increased risk for early mortality.
The rapid review also provided possible solutions or recommendations to mitigate the burden and mental toll of quarantine and social isolation. These include quarantining individuals only for a duration that is deemed necessary and not longer than what is required; officials should also provide clear and sufficient information about protocols and explain the rationale of the quarantine; and ensuring adequate support and supplies, as well as a clear explanation on the benefits of the quarantine can be extremely advantageous to the general public.