Description
Added on the 12/05/2020 17:07:59 - Copyright : Euronews EN
Just like not wearing white shoes after Labor Day, another American unwritten rule is to wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating for the December holidays. But according to HuffPost, people seem to be breaking with tradition in 2020 and are putting up their decorations early. Mental health experts say that could be a very good thing. As many of our beloved holiday traditions may be on pause because of COVID-19, decorating is one way we can safely and healthfully lift our spirits. Decorations can remind you of happier times, give you something to look forward to, and give you a greater sense of control in a frightening time. “Drop the judgment. If it makes you feel good, this is the year to do it. Ryan Howes, Psychologist Author, “Mental Health Journal for Men"
If you're unlucky enough to need a bed in an intensive care unit for COVID-19, cross your fingers that you'll get a bed at the right time. That's because ICU patients treated during periods of increased demand are almost twice as likely to die compared to those treated in low-demand periods. UPI reports intensive care units operating at 75% to 100% capacity were classified as 'high demand.' 'Low demand' was classified at less than 25% of capacity. The study showed patients in ICUs operating at high demand had a 94% higher risk for death compared to those in facilities operating at low demand. Hospitals in many parts of the country have reported being overwhelmed with patients requiring ICU treatment during the pandemic. Research suggests up to 30% of COVID-19 patients require treatment in the ICU, with many needing mechanical ventilator support to breathe.
800 nurses from St. Mary Medical Center, in the Philadelphia area, walked out Tuesday to protest hospital understaffing. As the third wave of coronavirus cases hits the country, hospitals are reaching capacity as hospital workers continue to suffer from burnout. According to Business Insider, the US reported a record 67,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations on November 12. But the issues nurses are striking over — caring for too many patients at once, understaffed hospitals, and burnout — existed prior to the pandemic. One study in the Journal of Nursing Administration found adding 10% more nurses to hospitals can reduce the odds a patient will die by 4%.
COVID-19 already has been linked to an assortment of alarming long-term physical health effects. Now a new study illuminates what the virus can also do to a person’s brain, says HuffPost. Those diagnosed with COVID-19 are at a greater risk of developing mental health disorders. The data shows 1 in 5 surviving patients will get a mental health diagnosis within roughly three months of infection. The most common conditions experts have seen include PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Other conditions that have been found are insomnia and dementia.
Data suggests that for every person who dies of COVID-19, they leave behind nine family members. According to HuffPost, that means nearly 2 million people in the US theoretically have experienced the death of a close relative due to the disease. It's easy to be triggered by the news, especially when COVID-19-positive President Donald Trump turns it into a campaign photo op. If you're feeling overwhelmed with grief and frustration, mental health experts encourage taking action. Grieve openly. Reach out to friends and family, and turn off the TV. Know that what you're feeling is natural and normal, and be kind to yourself. If it helps, look for virtual support groups with people going through the same thing or reach out to a mental health professional.
Formally known as bruxism, teeth grinding and clenching isn't uncommon. According to HuffPost, some estimates suggest about 10% of Americans regularly grind their teeth, and 20% regularly clench their teeth together. Now, dentists say they’re seeing a lot more of both during the COVID-19 pandemic. A dentist can, by examination, tell you if you're grinding, clenching, or both. Your dentist can also create a custom mouth guard to wear at night. However, it's important to get to the bottom of what's making you so tense or anxious. Seek help from qualified mental health professionals.
Comparing April 2019 to 2020, research published in The Lancet says the prevalence of 'clinically significant' levels of mental distress has risen from 18.9% to 27.3%. According to HuffPost, increases were greatest among 18- to 34-year-olds, women, and people living with young children. To preserve and protect your mental health, start by rethinking your social circles. Avoid critics, naysayers, pot-stirrers, and anyone else who brings you down. Reach out to friends and loved ones who truly lift you up. If you can't stand one more Zoom call, send a card. Stay active in mind and body. Exercise, learn something new, set goals, and structure your day so you have a sense of accomplishment. Finally, try to be grateful for your blessings. And at the same time, don't be afraid to reach out for help from professionals.
|
Support : Technical 
- Content 
- Editors 
