#What are the side effects of social and physical distancing? (RSS) What are the side effects of social and physical distancing? (ATOM) The Medical News The Medical News (RSS) The Medical News (ATOM) alternate alternate alternate alternate alternate alternate -- * What are the side effects of social and physical distancing? * Download PDF Copy -- Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Oslo, Norway, published an opinion paper in the JAMA Internal Medicine titled, “The Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 and Physical Distancing The Need for Prevention and Early Intervention”. They call for urgent attention to be paid to the effects of social and physical distancing on the mental health of the population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 and Physical Distancing The Need for Prevention and Early Intervention. Image Credit: Fizkes / Shutterstock The Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 and Physical Distancing The Need for Prevention and Early Intervention. Image Credit: Fizkes / Shutterstock -- COVID-19 disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has infected over 1.8 million people in 185 countries and territories. Worldwide physical distancing measures are now in place worldwide. These measures, isolation, home quarantine, lockdowns, and the closure of all places where people congregate, are aimed at preventing the virus from spreading from one person to another. However, social distancing, as this form of physical distancing, is now commonly known as may have other consequences. The team writes, “While these steps may be critical to mitigating the spread of this disease, they will -- The team of researchers explains that this COVID-19 pandemic itself may lead to an increase in the number of cases of depressive disorders and anxiety disorders along with loneliness, social isolation, substance abuse, and a rise in domestic violence. They also warn that with the schools closed, there is a risk of a sharp rise in the number of cases -- Step one of the plan is to develop outlines to deal with loneliness and its long term effects on the populations that are being forced to socially isolate at home during the pandemic. Also, to develop ways that could intervene and help people after this is over. The researchers point out that digital technologies could help people connect socially while remaining physically distant. People generally congregate at places of worship, parks, gyms, etc. Since these have been closed down, the activities could be done online on a schedule, write the researchers. This will not only provide a social connection without physical proximity but also promote a feeling of togetherness, which could be good for mental health. Workplaces could also be made virtual so that employees can work virtually together and not feel lonely. Social contact and outreach could be ensured. Outreach and voice calls and video calls can also assist marginalized or isolated populations including “elderly, -- illness,” they wrote. Social media groups also help people come together and share information and feelings. People can also reach out for resources and help when they need it. -- for all children due to a lack of access to technology and the internet. They write, “Needed are approaches for ensuring structure, continuity of learning, and socialization to mitigate the effect of short- and long-term sheltering in place.” -- and not being able to leave homes where such abuse is meted out. The authors write, “Systems will need to balance the need for social distancing with the availability of safe places to be for people who are at risk.” -- “psychological first aid” to those in need. Laypersons could be taught how to reach out and help those in need during the early stages of social isolation. This could also be followed up with telemedicine, communication, and support using technology platforms, they wrote. -- Galea S, Merchant RM, Lurie N. The Mental Health Consequences of COVID-19 and Physical Distancing: The Need for Prevention and Early Intervention. JAMA Intern Med. Published online April 10, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.1562, -- * APA Mandal, Ananya. (2020, April 12). What are the side effects of social and physical distancing?. News-Medical. Retrieved on December 11, 2020 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200412/What-are-the-side-effect s-of-social-and-physical-distancing.aspx. * MLA Mandal, Ananya. "What are the side effects of social and physical distancing?". News-Medical. 11 December 2020. . * Chicago Mandal, Ananya. "What are the side effects of social and physical distancing?". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200412/What-are-the-side-effect s-of-social-and-physical-distancing.aspx. (accessed December 11, 2020). * Harvard Mandal, Ananya. 2020. What are the side effects of social and physical distancing?. News-Medical, viewed 11 December 2020, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200412/What-are-the-side-effect s-of-social-and-physical-distancing.aspx. Suggested Reading