It's been 100 days of COVID-19, since the New Year's Eve. The world has changed dramatically in such a short period. It's the third week of the lockdown in Nepal, provisional migration has been banned, schools locked, stores are closed and people are confined in their homes with nowhere to go. It can be draining with so much unfiltered news in the social media and YouTube regarding the pandemic. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be stressful for some people.
Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions especially older people with chronic disease, children and teens, frontline workers, first responders and people who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use.
In such times of uncertainty, talking with professionals can be helpful. The American Psychological Association has provided guidelines on how to conduct telepsychology while practicing social distancing.
Telepsychology is defined as the provision of psychological services using telecommunication technologies. Examples include psychoeducational materials posted online after an in-person therapy session or therapy or leadership development provided over videoconferencing. Technologies may be used in various combinations and for different purposes during the provision of telepsychology services (American Psychologist, 2013).
Everyone responds differently to stress. With the lockdowns imposed for the safety of the people, it can also turn out to be difficult to reach services. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include fear and worry about your health and the health of your loved ones, changes in sleep or eating patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, worsening of chronic health problems, worsening of mental health conditions or increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
Telepsychology can be a helpful measure for people to deal with their stress and anxiety and further help people from acquiring depression and PTSD. It's like any normal counseling service but this time it's provided directly to you on your phone or electronic device. It's more flexible for both counselor and psychologist and the people with stress.
WHO says in times of crisis talking with people you trust helps. With people in their home and nowhere to go for services, telemental health is more flexible.
In Nepal, people still have stereotypes and stigmas related to mental health services. We relate our resiliency to one's capability and this makes it further difficult to seek services. Telepsychology can be the bridge and help people with their issues. It's more comfortable to speak on the phone for many of us who don't want to be shamed for seeking help. With proper guidelines laid out, it's one of the most effective ways to treat people in the outbreak. People need to talk with professionals during difficulty to stay mentally fit.
Under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act 2020 and guidelines issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 17, CMS is waiving key requirements under telehealth so that Medicare beneficiaries can receive services in their homes with fewer restrictions (DeAngelis, 2020).
Many organizations such as The School of Psychology (TSOP), American Psychological Association, Nepal, Counseling Psychology Nepal, and many others have started providing free telepsychology services with the vision of long-term service facilities. Their main aim is to help reduce anxiety and stress due to COVID-19.
During such times its important for people to be away from too much news and try to bring normality by following routines, connecting with loved ones on the phones, knowing its okay to be scared and anxious and calling a professional when needed not only for yourself but also for your loved ones too.
Ms. Dawa Sherpa is a researcher at The School Of Psychology Nepal.
