TOUGH implementation of pandemic protocols can be more toxic and fatal than the Covid-19 itself.
In Agdao for instance, there were alleged curfew violators who were punished and forced to swim in a filthy canal. If this gen that is freely flowing in social media is accurate, the authorities who carried out the punitive action must see a psychiatrist, ASAP.
While the authorities are commissioned to strictly impose quarantine protocols, the bottom line of the law is to practice proper hygiene while all of us ought to be enlisted in the all-out war against Covid-19.
Well, pardon me to challenge the officials to see a psychiatrist. Because they may be part of the population who may have a critical level of stress, anxiety, or depression while performing their duties.
These officials perhaps are lack of knowledge or no knowledge at all that millennials and Gen Zs are on the critical level of stress, anxiety and depression while in quarantine. Had these officials been knowledgeable; they could have exercised their sound judgment and avoided such harsh punishment.
A survey was conducted on May 5 to 16, 2020 by Premier Value Provided, Inc., to determine the impact of forced seclusion on the mental health of the workers. There were 450 employee-respondents who participated in the online survey.
The result was alarming and in critical levels: 15 percent stress, 29 percent anxiety, and 21 percent depression. The result which was released on May 21 says mostly affected are millennials and Gen Zs.
These are important facts from the survey:
a. The younger ones generally have a higher likelihood of suffering from severe and extremely severe levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Having the children and spouse as companions during the ECQ is good for mental health – they seem to dampen the impact.
b. Working from home increases by up to five times the likelihood of extremely severe depression.
c. Too much time spent watching movies (including those on streaming service Netflix) increases the likelihood of severe depression 2.4 times especially when one watches more than six hours a day.
d. Not having any exercise is a risk factor for extremely severe anxiety (1.5 times more likely) and depression (three times).
e. Those who spend two to three hours a day on social media are almost three times more likely to develop extremely severe depression and 1.6 times more likely to have extremely severe anxiety.
f. This result was in parallel with the United Nations brief, released on May 13, titled “Covid-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health” where the young ones are at most risk in this crisis.
Before the pandemic, the World Health Organization said the Philippines is one of the highest in mental health risk in Southeast Asia with more than 3 million cases.
Hoping the Senate will fast-track the amendments of the Mental Health Law or Republic Act 11036 so that mentally challenged individuals will regain the long been ignored human dignity.