Health dept to start counselling patients to alleviate Corona panic
Kolkata: In a bid to prevent the Corona affected and suspected patients from going into mental depression, the state Health department will soon start counselling at all the district hospitals and medical colleges across the state to provide the patients with a psychological boost.
The step has been taken after it was found that many patients who are in quarantine centres or under home quarantine are under psychological stress. The death of a 57-year-old man who tested positive for the virus has already triggered fear among many who have been undergoing treatment at the quarantine centres or at the isolation ward of various hospitals. Hence, the Health department officials felt the importance of counselling to eradicate the fear one has developed regarding COVID-19.
"The appearance of COVID-19 has undoubtedly triggered fear among many people. Those who are suspected and remained in isolation or quarantine are under mental stress. In some other states there have been attempts of suicide. Psychotherapy can provide the patients a mental boost and help them come out of the depression. As per the initial plans, the counselling would be started at the fever clinics of all the district hospitals and medical colleges. Many hospitals have been asked to get prepared to start psychological counselling," a senior health official said.
Abhisek Hansa, psychologist at a government-run hospital, said: "It often becomes difficult for the doctors to carry out the treatment of patients who are mentally down. It may aggravate the ailments. Boosting the mental strength of patients is of paramount importance. When someone is in stress, he/she releases Cortisol hormone which reduces the immunity level. If someone is mentally happy and strong then the hormone is not released. Psychotherapy is the only solution to boost up confidence among the patients."
Many of the panic-stricken people who are down with fever are visiting various hospitals, apprehending that they might have been affected with the virus. In the present situation, when the number of persons under home quarantine or in quarantine centres is gradually going up, it has created an impact on the mind of many people, the official said.
Proper psychological counselling is essential for those who are undergoing treatment at various hospitals with the suspected symptoms. "The counselling can be done through video conference where the psychologists may not require going to the far-off districts. It will help the patients overcome their depression," the official added.
In Bengal, ten persons have tested positive for the virus so far, out of which a 57-year-old man died at a private hospital on Monday. The fever clinics at various government hospitals have seen a huge number of patients so far. The Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, which has come up as a dedicated hospital for COVID-19, will also offer counselling.
