A Focus on Mental Health While Social Distancing

Abstract

Amid the evolving situation of COVID-19, we must take the time to address our mental health. No N95 face mask or hand sanitizer can prevent the constant worry and loneliness that is resulting from this pandemic. Data from Australia's first equine influenza outbreak showed that “34% [of quarantined respondents] report[ed] high psychological distress (K10 > 22), compared to levels of around 12% in the Australian general population” (Taylor et al., 2008). Since isolation has correlated with psychological distress in past outbreak studies, many psychologists worry that long term social distancing due to coronavirus can lead to psychological problems in society like depression, aggression, or even higher suicide rates. At a time like this, mental health should be of major importance.