Sudeep Uprety
Recently, the news of German State Minister Thomas Schaefer committing suicide after becoming "deeply worried" of the economic fallout from Covid-19 pandemic shook the world. As of March 29, the Covid-19 spread has infection has spread in 199 countries and territories, infecting over 730,000 people, mental health problems among the people are expected to increase, even more.
Due to the exponential rise in the spread of Covid-19 over the last two months and its severe impact on personal health (about 18 percent of infected cases have resulted in death), we may be soon hearing many stories of Covid-19 infected persons suffering from stigma and social exclusion, triggering racism and xenophobia.
Social media has not only propagated doubtful rumors on the emergence of the virus, but also has brought forth absurd methods for prevention. Also termed as “infodemic”, claims such as inhaling hot air from a hair dryer or drinking cow urine can help cure the coronavirus are inviting more trouble than solution as these rumors are spreading faster than the virus.
Impact on mental health
The global spread and escalation of Covid19 infection can result in several mental health problems such as increased anxiety for self and others, psychological distress, perceived stigmatization, social isolation, interruption to employment or study and disruption on normal daily routine and functioning. A recent survey among 1004 respondents carried out by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) shows COVID-19 is seriously affecting Americans' mental health, with half of US adults reporting high levels of anxiety.
Mental health problems also exist among health care providers. A cross sectional survey conducted with 1257 health care providers in China showed high prevalence of depression (50%), anxiety (45%), insomnia (34%), and distress (72%).
The suicide case of German State Minister also sparks another dangerous situation of celebrity copycat suicide, in case of excessive media/social media coverage. A critical review published in Mindframeillustrates how media reportingand framing leads to imitation or copycat suicide: when there is repeated andprominent coverage (across multiple media sources and on front page); when thereader or viewer identifies with the person as either someone that is similar tothemselves or someone they look up to such as a celebrity; when certain subgroupsin the population (e.g. young people; people experiencing a mental illness) may bemore vulnerable; and when there are explicit descriptions of the method or location.
Thus the negative consequences upon mental health should not be undermined or taken for granted.
Some notable efforts
Owing to immediate need to curtail the unprecedented influx of fake news and rumors, major social media agencies such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter have taken some steps of caution, which is greatly welcome. A recent Forbes article highlights that Twitter is using machine learning algorithms to detect the spread of false information, including detecting accounts being used to deny or advice against following official advice, or promoting “alternative” treatments or cures that are not proven to be effective. Likewise, Facebook has also deployed algorithms to look for false or sensationalist claims made in advertising – for example, by people offering homeopathic remedies and implying that they could prevent, cure, or protect against the virus. Facebook even banned the sale of items from advertisers falsely claiming that necessary products were likely to become hard to get hold of due to the outbreak.Instagram has also begun redirecting anyone searching for information on coronavirus to a special message providing links to verified and authoritative information sources.
Some fact-checking blogs and organizationsin Nepal such as Mysansarand Centre for Media Research (CMR) have also made people aware of some fake news related to Covid-19. Nepal Police has also arrested those spreading fake news in the country through their ‘viral posts’ over social media (BibekThapa Magar was arrested for producing the audio clip claiming five persons have already died in Nepal after being infected with Covid-19). Some organizations such as Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal are doing commendable job for providing psychosocial support and counselling/consultation to the needy via toll free hotline number.
Way forward
Apart from the steps taken from social media agencies to block wide spreading of fake news and false claims, at the individual level too, we can take care of our mental health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides some useful tips for coping with stress such as: taking breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and doing other activities for enjoyment; connecting with friends and loved ones and sharing your feelings; taking care of your body by taking deep breaths, eating healthy, well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs.
Likewise, to avoid stigmatization among the infected, it is also high time that we stop associating Covid-19 to any particular ethnicity ornationality. Rather, we should be showing empathy towards the infected and show our solidarity. World Health Organization (WHO) has even recommended people and the media not to use the terms such as “victims” or “the diseased” as such terms may reinforce the stigma the persons with Covid-19 infection.
There should also be equal consideration regarding the mental health of health care providers to boost their morale during these difficult times and provide them emotional support. Even fulfillment of basic needs such as timely distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and positive posts over social media could lift up their spirits.
Social distancing is the order of the day for at least few weeks, limiting our mobility to prevent further spreading. As we isolate ourselves from the outer world, high time we come together and make our inner bonding stronger to tackle this pandemic.
-(Sudeep is a development practitioner interested in media and communications research).
