The effects of imbalances in the emotional health of the Dominican population are being seen daily, as direct consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, overwhelming the capacity of health services to respond to the demand for care they receive.
This is stated by the Association of Health Psychologists (Asopsalud), noting that before the pandemic between six and seven patients were treated per shift in psychologists’ consultations, but since March there have been many changes in behavior human.
“People are more irritated, anxious, with symptoms of depression, have a sleep disorder and an increase in the consumption of psychoactive substances, especially alcohol,” said the president of the entity, María De Los Santos, when asked about the warning made recently by specialists from Psychiatry that the country must prepare for the mental health crisis that looms after Covid-19.
The psychology specialist said that this crisis is already being evidenced among patients who also have suicidal ideas and problems in the couple have increased and put as the most direct example of that the inability of the individual to abide by the curfew rules.
A response plan is urgently needed
Faced with this scenario, De los Santos understands that it is urgent that the new health authorities hold a multidisciplinary meeting in order to develop a mental health prevention and promotion program that allows responding to the health crisis with the aim of reducing the effects psychological and traumatic.
It suggests that because the country has 1,800 Primary Care Units and 50 Specialized Diagnostic Centers, a minimum of three psychology professionals be appointed in each center and in all second and third level hospitals, to work on psychosocial problems.
There are only 700 psychologists
The entity highlighted that the public service provider network has approximately 700 psychologists, but that this number is insufficient for the great demand for care demanded by the population in hospitals, in Primary Care Units and Specialized Diagnostic Centers where this service is provided. specialized for the Covid-19 coronavirus.
De Los Santos, president of the specialists, was concerned about the current situation in the country and revealed that the daily consultations, at the public level, are the main reflection of the direct consequences of the pandemic.
He said that only in the month of July through the zoom platform and in person, 586 patients were treated, which represents a daily average of 20 patients per day, including Saturday and Sunday.
What are the mental diseases?
According to MedlinePlus, mental illnesses are serious conditions that can affect the way you think, your mood, and your behavior. They can be occasional or long-lasting. They can affect your ability to relate to others and function each day. Mental problems are common, more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental disorder at some point in their life. However, there are treatments available. People with mental health disorders can improve and many of them make a full recovery.
MORE DETAILS
Signs of Problems
The symptoms.
Changes in eating or sleeping habits, withdrawing from the people and activities you enjoy, having little or no energy, feeling empty or like nothing matters, having unexplained aches and pains.
Other symptoms are feeling helpless or hopeless, smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual, feeling unusually confused, forgetful, angry, upset, worried or scared, having severe mood swings.
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