Coronavirus-Related Uncertainty Is A Mental Health Trigger: Nurse

ROMEOVILLE, IL — The coronavirus pandemic is affecting mental health, creating overwhelming worry and anxiety exacerbated by social distancing. "Dealing with a virus that has taken many lives can be scary," said Rose Ampadu, a Romeoville resident and psychiatric nurse practitioner.

"Of course, we know that the immune-compromised are at the highest risk. But the information about COVID-19 changes daily and people do not know what to expect, leaving them in a state of uncertainty," she said. "Job and financial insecurity is another reason for stress, as businesses are shutting down and people are becoming rapidly unemployed."

Ampadu said the current situation is especially detrimental to those with pre-existing mental health issues, as they are experiencing fear, sadness and loneliness.

"For those who are already dealing with anxiety and depression, it can get worse," she said, "leading to increased risk of suicide and other forms of violence due to emotional liability and instability."

However, previously healthy people are also not immune to the devastating effects of the pandemic. She said the fear of the unknown can cause severe depression.

"People are anxious about going to grocery, there's food shortages and shortage of toiletries, not being able to fulfill school and work requirements, worried about their car loan, mortgages, how long social distancing will continue, and much more," she said.

Today, people are glued to their electronic devices, seeking updates on the disease. But Ampadu said the constant reminder of the number of deaths can be "overwhelming and cause a feeling of restlessness, serving as a trigger for anxiety and PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder]."

"These, in turn, can cause an increase in substance abuse and domestic violence," she said.

Ampadu works at the Elemental Center in Downers Grove, and she said she is keeping the lines of communication open through telehealth services, talking to her patients whenever they feel the need to seek help.

She said self-care, mindfulness and being assertive of one's triggers are very important right now.

"Stay connected with friends/family/religious organizations. Reach out if you need help because you are not alone; people do not know what you are going through until you tell them," she said. "Have someone who can call and check in on you daily; join support groups; and based on your age, get a health alert in case of emergency."

Ampadu suggested other things one can do to keep emotionally stable at home:

• Stay busy in a healthy way.
• Focus on positive thoughts.
• Keep a sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time.
• Eat properly: Limit refined sugars and junk food.
• Maintain physical activity: Work out, do yard work if that is an option, and take walks.
• Avoid or minimize use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs.
• Limit time on television, phone, etc.

In case of a mental health emergency, Ampadu can be reached at 708-553-9955.