COVID-19 has not only affected global economy on an unprecedented scale but also imposed an array of restrictions on work, home, and social interaction. A growing number of confirmed cases and reported death, has recently hit a grim landmark of 4 million. Conflicting commentaries about its origin, transmission, spread, reported statistics, potential cure, plus apparent inability for speedy containment, have exacerbated confusion and personal worries.

So, what about the impact on our mental health? for those with already underlying mental health issues? Or those who are in an unsafe home with their abuser? Recent reports have indicated that domestic abuse has risen and we expect a rise due to COVID-19 tensions and lockdown restrictions (Salisbury, 2020).

Fear, anxiety, grief are not weaknesses but natural reactions to crisis. There is limited research surrounding this pandemic, however, there have been indicators of psychological impact as moderate or severe, in light of depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress levels. There is also heightened concern for individuals worrying about family contracting COVID-19 (Wang, Pan, Wan, Tan, Xu, Ho C. S., & Ho, R. C. 2020). The psychological impact of this virus is inalienable and is indiscriminate.

Children are not immune to such disruptions, worry, and fear. In a worst-case scenario they may also be separated from primary care givers, due to family member contracting the disease. Although, children tend to be resilient, they may begin to exhibit warning signs of psychological distress, changes in mood, become extra clingy, manifest eating, sleeping disturbances, etc.

Adolescents, university students, especially those preparing for final exams have an uncertain future, unknowing if they will complete their education, progress to the next year. Added to this group, are job seekers, self-employed and small business owners who have to face the uncertainty of the impact on the job market, investment and livelihood. The elderly has to contend with contemplating catching COVID-19, potentially dying alone, having higher percentage of fatalities than other age groups (Porcheddu, Serra, Kelvin, D., Kelvin, N., & Rubino, 2020). Problem is further compounded by isolation or living at care homes or alone, plus unfamiliarity with modern modes of communication and/or inability to make connection due dementia or cognitive deterioration.

Disruptions brought about by COVID-19 affects all, specially first responders and medical staff who continuously risk exposure and likely experience trauma. Mental health care should ideally be readily available to everyone in the community. Art Therapy is a profession born to serve communities in crisis and is key in trauma intervention (Chapman, Morabito, Ladakakos, Schreier, & Knudson, 2001; Spiegel, Malchiodi, Backos, & Collie, 2006). Granted that in Middle East there is stigma attached to mental health but it is an integral part of social care. We should be mindful that the West has already established procedures for psychological crisis interventions to deal with public health emergencies (Roberts, 2005). As other countries may appear underprepared, but are we prepared to support the psychological needs of our communities? Although, China implemented a successful model in mitigating COVID-19 outbreak, it should be noted that the mental health needs of patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, quarantined family members and medical personnel were reportedly poorly handled (Duan & Zhu 2020).

In response to a growing and evidential impact of COVID-19 on mental health and wellness, we at ATIC continue to contribute and have since developed a variety of online supports to the community, groups as well as webinars and workshops, with the focus on UAE and the region. Our community programmes are open to general public and also those serving on the frontline.

Article written by: Sara Powell, AThR.

Art Psychotherapist.

References

Chapman, L., Morabito, D., Ladakakos, C., Schreier, H., & Knudson, M. M. (2001). The effectiveness of art therapy interventions in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in pediatric trauma patients. Art Therapy, 18(2), 100-104.

Duan, L., & Zhu, G. (2020). Psychological interventions for people affected by the COVID-19 epidemic. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(4), 300-302.

Porcheddu, R., Serra, C., Kelvin, D., Kelvin, N., & Rubino, S. (2020). Similarity in case fatality rates (CFR) of COVID-19/SARS-COV-2 in Italy and China. The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 14(02), 125-128.

Roberts, A. R. (Ed.). (2005). Crisis intervention handbook: Assessment, treatment, and research. Oxford university press.

Salisbury, H. (2020). Helen Salisbury: What might we learn from the covid-19 pandemic?. Bmj, 368.

Spiegel, D., Malchiodi, C., Backos, A., & Collie, K. (2006). Art therapy for combat-related PTSD: Recommendations for research and practice. Art Therapy, 23(4), 157-164.

Wang, C., Pan, R., Wan, X., Tan, Y., Xu, L., Ho, C. S., & Ho, R. C. (2020). Immediate psychological responses and associated factors during the initial stage of the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic among the general population in China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(5), 1729.