Pandemics are not just health concerns. They come with multiple miseries. The Covid-19 pandemic is no exception. As we see, there are large-scale disruption to livelihood and travel. There is massive economic trouble all over the world which is affecting the population everywhere. In addition, usual health services have some level of disruption as they try to cater to the specific needs of managing Covid-19-related issues. While governments are trying to support the people with various economic and other vocational supports, it will take some time to reverse the impact of this collateral disaster.
All the associated concerns linked to Covid-19 are secondary disasters, happening alongside. In India, it is distressing to see that many working class people and manual labourers are travelling back to their places of origin. Some of them are taking arduous journeys of hundreds and thousands of kilometres without the usual travel facilities, with disrupted and dangerous methodssometimes even on foot. Many have sadly lost their lives in the process. There must be such degree of plight where they are, for them to take this difficult decision to travel with families often with young children. While managing Covid-19-related issues, these secondary stresses should get adequate and timely attention. Similarly, it will take time to set right the economic and work-related impact of the pandemic. Many students will be affected by the career-related unintended breaks and future studies, which may ultimately affect their job prospects and long-term goals.
The reason why it is important to have proactive and sustained support system for the collateral or secondary disasters is that they cause immense stress. Stress will lead to mental health problems, which are already evident. There are various initiatives at public education about stress management. However, considerable numbers of the general public may require specific mental health-related intervention. It needs to be explored how the authorities and communities are prepared to provide this support.
The impact of stresses is very evident. Symptoms such as anxiety, fear, lack of motivation, helplessness and hopelessness will be common. Increase of substance abuse, especially alcohol, tobacco, may be evident, which would lead to more negative consequences. Initially, it may be difficult to motivate some people to go back to their work in far places when these will reopen because of the Covid-19-related concerns. The suicide rate may go up if not early but as the secondary stresses build up. In addition, there will be people suffering from anxiety disorders, depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Complex bereavement issues will affect many families and communities as there are many untimely deaths, not only of the elderly but also the young bread-earning members with immense consequences. There is a possibility of antisocial behaviour in the form of thefts, break-ins, physical aggressions and assaults, etc., increasing in the community in such stressful situations and economic downturn.
Authorities and policymakers should look into the picture holistically and draw up a plan of intervention appropriate for the local population, which should be long-term as the effects of the secondary disasters associated with Covid-19 will be felt for a long time as it seems. Companies and employers may have to change their strategies to manage not only the economic impact but also the human impact of this disaster. Communities and individuals have a role to play as well to support others while helping themselves. Individuals themselves should seek practical help and emotional support without hesitation when needed; and it needs to be ensured that the required help is available.
(The writer is a Consultant Psychiatrist in National Health Service, UK)
