The unspoken symptom of COVID-19

In this uphill battle against COVID-19, many healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses have to suit up in their personal protective equipment on a daily basis to treat COVID-19 patients that are, at times, on the brink of death. While the sick patients are being treated, healthcare workers are being psychologically affected by the consistent trauma being observed every day. Recently, an emergency medicine doctor, Lorna Breen, who had been treating COVID-19 patients had died by suicide. A new side effect, previously omitted from typical COVID-19 symptoms lists, is now being exposed in more than just the patients: psychological trauma. 

Exposure to a consistent amount of psychological trauma can lead to emotional damage that can lead to depression, bouts of irritability, or the inability to sleep. In turn, this scarring experience can be a factor that affects the mental health of an individual. 

While the sick patients are being treated, healthcare workers are being psychologically affected by the consistent trauma being observed every day.

First, we must ask: how does mental health work on a biological level? Scientists are not certain about the exact biological mechanisms that result in mental illness, as there are many variables that are associated with the definition — such as genetics, environment, and experience. However, to truly understand the biological mechanisms, one must first understand how the brain processes information. The brain is made up of functional units called neurons that are able to relay information to the brain. These neurons have receptors for specific neurotransmitters to attach to and relay information to the brain, much like a lock-and-key model. The neurotransmitter is the key that binds to specific locks to send the correct message to the brain to maintain a psychological homeostasis. Some of these neurotransmitters are affiliated with mood along with sleep cycles and the adrenaline rush that is felt when excited or nervous about something. 

When studying the biological mechanism of the neurological communication in individuals presented with mental health issues, studies have shown decreases in the amount of neurochemicals, such as serotonin, in individuals exhibiting mental illness. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with happiness and has been known to be a factor in the general mood of the individual. If there is a decrease of the amount of serotonin that is being produced, there are no keys to the locks, and this sends a message to maintain a positive mood. 

People all over the world are just as susceptible to the same psychological trauma. However, there are ways to combat the trauma and maintain a healthy mental state.

Presently, while healthcare workers are frequently experiencing stressful trauma from this pandemic such as depression and isolation, people all over the world are just as susceptible to the same psychological trauma. However, there are ways to combat the trauma and maintain a healthy mental state. This can include talking to a trained professional such as a psychiatrist or immersing oneself in a positive environment, whether in person or online. An example of a positive environment would be family members or a support group that can be relied on. Another treatment that has been known to treat depression is medication, specifically antidepressants, but one should first consult with a doctor before starting any. 

During this stressful time the most important aspect is to keep hopeful and busy. Try a new hobby or keep yourself occupied by talking to others through social media. This can include using Zoom meetings to talk to friends or taking a walk with the people you’re in quarantine with. These are great ways to maintain healthy levels of serotonin and keep your mental health in check as we move forward together through this pandemic.

NIH Curriculum Supplement Series (2007). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20369/

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