The effect COVID-19 has on mental health/ patients with mental health disorders
The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the well-being of people suffering from mental illnesses
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating influence on the lives of many individuals all across the world in a relatively short amount of time (less than a year). Those suffering from underlying chronic illnesses, particularly those suffering from mental health disorders, have been the most vulnerable segments of the community to be hit the hardest. In nations that have been extensively touched by the epidemic, such as China and Italy, there have been concerns expressed about the mental health of those who are already suffering from psychiatric disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 173 million individuals in China suffer from various mental health conditions. The COVID-19 epidemic, occurring in a world where stigma and indifference towards persons suffering from mental illnesses are still prevalent, increases the vulnerability of those suffering from mental illnesses to infection and discrimination when highly contagious diseases such as COVID-19 break out.
First and foremost, mental health disorders reduce the body’s immunity, increasing the likelihood of opportunistic infections, such as SARS-CoV-2, and other diseases. Patients with mental diseases have diminished risk awareness as a result of behavioral characteristics associated with cognitive impairment, which prevents them from caring for themselves and adopting preventative actions. Their risk of contracting COVID-19 is significantly higher than the general population as a result of this factor alone. COVID-19 outbreaks have been documented in a number of psychiatric facilities across the world, including the United States. On the 9th of February 2020, a cluster of 50 psychiatric patients in China was diagnosed with COVID-19, according to the Chinese government. A Korean mental ward screened 102 of 103 psychiatric patients who tested positive for COVID-19, according to the findings.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is significantly more devastating for persons who suffer from serious mental conditions (SMI). The isolation policies have also been shown to have a negative impact on the health of SMI patients, particularly in those who have cognitive impairment and a reduced comprehension of the risks involved. When persons with mental health disorders are discriminated against in society, it becomes more difficult for them to get timely health care services once they become infected with the coronavirus.
People who suffer from mental illnesses frequently visit their doctors on a regular basis. In contrast, the new nationwide quarantine restrictions have restricted outpatient visits for these patients. With the suspension of many community health care services, as well as the disruption in the supply chain for major drugs, it has become increasingly difficult for people suffering from mental illnesses to obtain basic health services such as Assessments, therapy, and prescriptions, all of which could be life-saving in some cases.
As a whole, COVID-19 has had a substantial influence on patients suffering from mental health conditions. Because of the high mortality rate associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a widespread outbreak of fear, worry, and sadness. Individuals who suffer from mental health issues have higher levels of emotional stress, which raises the likelihood of relapses and the likelihood of deterioration for newly diagnosed patients.

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