The next pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a powerful impact on people's health and the global economy. However, another devastating consequence is the threat it poses to the mental health of a large part of the population.

Social isolation, worries, and uncertainty about the economic and social future of humanity induce anxiety, stress, depression, and other negative feelings in a large part of the population. People with pre-existing mental health conditions and substance use disorders may experience even more critical effects. Furthermore, when this is combined with difficulties accessing mental health services, we are faced with a complex situation that requires immediate action.

Several research projects are underway to assess the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic in the coming years. Coronaviruses are known to have neurotoxic effects and cause neurological and mental health disorders.

A recent article published in The Lancet urges the scientific community to collaborate on research into the effects of the pandemic on mental health and the possibility that the virus could infect the brain or cause adverse effects on brain function. Other studies also warn of potential psychiatric complications and long-term neurodegenerative effects. They also point to nonspecific neurological symptoms such as dizziness, headache, encephalitis, cerebrovascular events, psychosis, altered mental states, and neurocognitive syndrome (similar to dementia), among others.

To face the challenges looming over this pandemic, it is essential to take care of both our physical and mental health. Experts recommend maintaining a healthy diet to strengthen the immune system, getting enough sleep, staying informed through reliable sources about current events without constantly listening to news that could increase anxiety and worry, staying in touch with family and friends through communication technologies, taking an active role by using this time to learn and develop useful ideas from home, and employing relaxation and meditation techniques. However, the greatest benefit we can offer ourselves is understanding and supporting others so they can overcome this situation. Compassion should not only be seen as an altruistic feeling of solidarity with others; it is truly the sentiment that allowed our ancestors, in the most vulnerable conditions of primitive societies, to survive on the planet. Compassion is the capacity to feel another person's emotions and the desire to help. Let us be compassionate toward each other, toward animals, and toward our planet; only in this way will we overcome these difficult times.

References

• Holmes E et al. Multidisciplinary research priorities for the COVID-19 pandemic: a call for action for mental health science. The Lancet Psychiatry April 15, 2020 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30168-1
• Varatharaj A et al. Neurological and neuropsychiatric complications of COVID-19 in 153 patients: a UK-wide surveillance study. The Lancet Psychiatry. June 25, DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30287-X
• Kessler S et al. Social Structure Facilitated the Evolution of Care-giving as a Strategy for Disease Control in the Human Lineage Sci Rep 8, 13997 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-31568-2