Covid-19 Pandemic: Mental Dynamics of Quarantine and Social Isolation

This paper explores the two major preventive concepts of the unpredictable life-threatening viral infection caused by Coronavirus that is ravaging the entire world from the beginning of the year 2020, as it pertains to mental health. Through scientific consultations, the expectation is that effective vaccine for the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) may not come into the market this year. Two (among others) preventive measures, namely Social Distancing and Quarantine are suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO). Using the principle of explorative research, this study established the flipside of quarantine and social distancing from the metal health perspective. It was discovered that there is a relationship between a long period of selfisolation and a high probability of concerned persons having anxiety, stress, and depression, which gradually leads to mental and emotional health issues. Consequently, mental health affects the overall health and affects how we handle different situations during the Covid-19 pandemic. By considering this important matter, this article recommended different ways to improve mental health during the pandemic in the quest to keep oneself away from psychological issues arising due to the Covid-19 situation. DOI: 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-20-3497 Corresponding author: Jainish Patel, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Regional Center, Surat, Gujarat, India. Email: pateljainish23@gmail.com

because the long period of quarantine and social distancing gradually leads to loneliness, which is the leading cause of psychological issues [3]. In checking the psychological impacts of Covid-19, the result of the recent research conducted in 194 different cities of China that included 1210 defendants' showed that 54% of defendants were suffering from mental health issues, where 29% reported against mild to severe anxiety indications and 17% showed severe depressive signs, thus proving that the COVID-19 pandemic is causing specific mental health issues [4].

Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common concern of mental illness amongst the general public.

Stress
Stress is also one of the common and lethal mental issues emanating during the pandemic as it causes several effects. It can occur for many reasons, including the fear of contracting the disease, loss of a job, and financial issues [14]. Stress can lead to, • Insomnia • Bad sleeping and eating habits • Staying away from a loved one(s) and the inability to protect them • Education (as the schools and universities are closed, and admissions are postponed) • Boredom and loneliness because of social distancing [19] How to Cope with Mental Issues during Covid-19?
There are specific ways to improve mental health during the pandemic to keep oneself and loved ones away from psychological issues:

Stay Active Physically
As most of the physical activities are reduced and also gyms, parks, etc. are closed. Efforts to remain physically active would help boost immunity, reduce blood pressure, control weight, and reduce the chance and an excellent way to fight against stress [21].

Take Care of your Mental Health
Due to the pandemic, movements are restricted.
People are working, teaching, learning and studying from home, lack of physical contact with friends and family, no social gatherings and activities, and temporary unemployment has burdened the mind, which in return results in several mental issues [22].
Therefore, employing the following can help in taking care of mental health:

Make a Routine
Make a routine and try to add all the activities from exercise to reading, from watching movies to cooking. Make sleep patterns better by sleeping early and getting up early. Schedule work routine along with the home routine and take proper rests at intervals.
Make room for things you enjoy; read books, watch movies, and listen to music. Similarly, adding exercise and meditation in daily routine can help [23].

Keep Oneself Updated
Watch official news channels on the television;

Avoid Illicit Drug use and Drug Abuse
Using excessive drugs can further increase the chance of getting infected with the virus as it weakens the immune system [26]. Avoid taking any drug, including tobacco, alcohol, etc., to reduce stress or depression. This is because if any problem or emergency arises due to the use of such drugs, the hospitals may not be accessible since hospitals are already not considered safe in such a time as this [25].

Reduce Screen Time
Working, studying, and learning has increased screen usage, which is not a healthy sign for the body as it affects proper eyesight and can cause memory issues.
Therefore, maintaining a gap when using the screen is essential. Also, its usage should be limited [27].

Read, Watch and Play
During quarantine, it is good to seize the time to increase in knowledge by reading books and articles.
This will also help in remaining stress-free. Watching movies with good morals also serves as the right way of reducing stress [28]. Playing video games is also an excellent way to feel less distressed and relax the mind while sitting at home [29].

Sustaining Nutritious Diet
Maintaining a healthy, nutritious diet would improve the body's ability to fight against certain diseases by boosting the immune system. Healthy dieting is considered one of the primary sources of prevention against Coronavirus [30]. There are several essential tips for maintaining a healthy diet. Here are some of them: • Add a fresh variety of vegetables and fruits to diet, especially those containing vitamin C.
• Take proteins in the form of meat, eggs, milk, and fish.
• Intake of natural probiotics like yogurt will help to recover from GI problems.
• Also, taking wholegrain such as wheat, maize. Proper intake of rice and lentils is also necessary [31].

Healthy Nurturing
Across the world, schools are closed. Kids are at home and are affected more than adults as they feel more isolated, lonely, bored, and can develop certain types of fears. Hence, parents must find out ways to keep their kids out of these unhealthy situations.
Engaging them in activities and discussions regarding the virus and other matters could be helpful. Also, tell kids specific stories and encouraging them to read books [32].

Declaration of Competing Interest
There are no conflicts of interest related to the submitted paper.