THE onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated radical economic, social, cultural, and behavioural changes worldwide, including in Guyana.

The essential measures instituted by government, aimed at containing and mitigating the emergency have, without any doubt, had multi-faceted effects on many Guyanese. For example, Guyanese are a friendly, free, and social people who want the best for their children. As such, to be told by authorities that social distancing is necessary, schools and workplace closures are essential, quarantines have been implemented, restrictions on travel are in place, and compliance with a curfew is mandatory, one would expect that there would be impacts, likely negative, on the physical and mental wellbeing of citizens.

Additionally, against the backdrop of a serious health threat, It is to be expected that Guyanese are certain to experience severe physical dislocation and mental distress. In light of the seriousness of the threat, though, such measures, all would agree, are necessary if we want to quickly return to a state of normalcy. Therefore, Guyanese must necessarily adapt to the situation and learn to cope with the temporary stresses of the situation.
According to mental health experts, there are concerns that social distancing can have numerous adverse effects on participants’ mental health. It may lead to stress, anxiety, depression or panic, especially for individuals with pre-existing mental conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, and paranoia. Further, media coverage about a pandemic, concerns about the economy and one’s job, as well as uncertainty about the future may intensify the stress of being away from other people.

Professor Dr. Radost Zaharieva of the European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) wrote that “Feelings of loneliness and social isolation, heightened by the current public health crisis, can have severe health consequences for a number of socio-economic groups. Anxiety and apathy, as well as loneliness, are some of the mental health consequences that will persist long after the pandemic ends, while the increased feelings of depression and stress, especially during a time of uncertainty, may have serious impacts on public health, increasing people’s vulnerability to poor health, and weakening society as a whole.” Fortunately, the situation is not hopeless. The same expert, Dr. Zaharieva, suggests a solution which may be viable in Guyana’s context.”

The professor writes, “In an era when digital technology is an integral part of people’s lives, public authorities must deploy their capacity to meet people’s needs and address both the physical and mental health impacts of social isolation. Online medical consultations can support doctors and patients to ensure proper medical follow-up, which is widely affected by confinement. Such a measure will demonstrate the role of digital technologies in the health sector and provide an effective response to patients’ needs – allowing patients to be properly diagnosed and avoid self-medication that can additionally worsen people’s health during a health emergency.

The possibility of online discussion with a health professional or a psychologist is another concrete action that can help reduce anxiety and panic and overcome feelings of being alone or powerlessness. Virtual thematic discussions and group activities offered by social workers can also help combat social isolation – people can be part of a collective where they can “meet” and discuss with others, their common values and interests. Teachers play an important role for child’s socialisation, through online classes, as well as extra-school activities that can meet children’s specific social needs.” It must be noted that the administration already has hotlines.

It must be emphasised that the President David Granger-led administration has always taken the mental health of Guyanese very seriously, and has put systems in place to ensure the complete health of all citizens. Additionally, with regard to Dr. Zaharieva’s findings, the administration has established a Ministry of Public Telecommunication. In addition to distributing computers and improving the current electronic communication networks, President Granger, through the ministry, has also established some 180 brand-new online communications hubs countrywide. Those visionary initiatives by President David Granger will obviously serve well at a time such as this.  While we all cope with the current issue, let us bear in mind that this situation is not permanent; it will end. If we follow government’s directives, take the necessary precautions, have consideration for our brothers and sisters, and protect our own health, we will emerge from this circumstance, and, we may be stronger Guyanese as a result of this challenge.