Science Policy Around the Web April 2nd, 2020

By Somayeh Hooshmand, PhD

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

Social distancing comes with psychological fallout

An effective way to stop the spread of coronavirus is social distancing (although The WHO is now promoting the phrase “physical distancing” instead). Many states have imposed new rules for closings schools, restaurant and bars, parks, playgrounds and barring families from visiting relatives at nursing homes. However, social distancing comes at psychological and economic costs that could have short term and long-term impacts on individuals. These psychological impacts include stress, confusion, anger, anxiety, insomnia, emotional exhaustion and substance abuse. 

A recent study that was published in The Lancet reviewed the psychological impact of quarantine using three electronic databases. Most studies included in this review revealed that individuals that were separated and quarantined suffered from post-traumatic stress symptoms, frustration, boredom, inadequate supplies, inadequate information, financial loss, and stigma. 

This is particularly hard on the elderly since they are not as comfortable as younger generations with the use of technology and social networking. They also have a hard time getting the health services they might need. On the other hand, technology can not substitute for human touch such as holding hands, hugging or massage, which studies suggest can affect health, including possibly lowering blood pressure and reducing the severity of symptoms from the common cold.

During this unprecedented time caused by coronavirus government officials should be concerned about individual’s mental health, which is one of the biggest challenges of quarantine or self-isolation, and ensure sufficient supplies are provided. The must provide financial support for individuals who lost their jobs to reduce the level of anxiety and frustration. Also individuals need to find ways to protect their mental health in a time of social distancing by reading, exercising at home, maintaining a sense of community and sticking to a healthy diet, while also avoiding unhealthy behaviors such as drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and smoking,