National Lock-down and Our State Of Mind

Social distancing is meant to protect the general public during this worldwide pandemic but at the same time it may have negative psychological impacts on those struggling with mental health conditions. The fear and uncertainty that comes with an indefinite period of time in which Americans will not be able to return to work or normal everyday activities, may exacerbate the metal health issues that millions of Americans face today.  

Experts suggest specific mental health practices to combat increasing levels of anxiety and depression while staying home. Dividing the day clearly into work and non-work hours, maintaining daily routines, and physical activity are common among the guidelines provided. But what may prove to be most effective is more access to and insurance coverage of telemedicine. What this means is patients’ ability to have remote one-on-one consultations with therapists around the world 24/7.

Studies investigating treatments for conditions like Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), show that psychotherapy or consultation may be just as important as pharmacotherapy, which is drug-based treatment. In fact, abnormalities in neural behavior in MDD can be remedied with these approaches in distinct ways. The hyperactivity of the region of our brain known as the amygdala, common in patients with MDD, can be reduced with pharmacotherapy. However, normal activity of the prefrontal cortex can be restored after Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy.

Web-based consultations may therefore be crucial in preventing a major decline in the population’s mental health while we await confirmation of the nation re-opening.