Social disconnection, fear of getting infected with a deadly virus, financial stress, fear of losing jobs, entrapment -- the whole world is dealing with these anxieties since the coronavirus pandemic hit more than 200 countries.
Given the circumstances, Bangladesh is not immune from the mental health issues either.
Experts fear that post-pandemic Bangladesh will have to deal with mass post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), triggered by the ongoing global health crisis.
They said policymakers, leaders, experts, and individuals must act now to win the battle against mental health breakdown.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Associate Prof Helal Uddin Ahmed told Dhaka Tribune on Friday that motivating healthcare providers and other frontline workers, making mental health friendly policies for the people living under poverty, ensuring job security, and education should be prioritized in fighting the mental health breakdown.
He said: "Nobody can win a fight when the frontline workers are demotivated. Health workers are at risk of getting infected and they are worried about infecting their families. They need to be motivated if we want to win this fight."
The mental health expert said frustration would turn into aggression and eventually lead to a social unrest.
Working-class people like day wage earners and the low-income population are twice at risk of having mental health problems since they are struggling with meeting their basic needs.
Lancet Psychiatry recently conducted a research on mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research was conducted by an interdisciplinary group of 24 world-leading experts.
The study revealed: "Many of the anticipated consequences of quarantine and associated social and physical distancing measures are themselves key risk factors for mental health issues. These include suicide and self-harm, alcohol and substance misuse, gambling, domestic and child abuse, and psychosocial risks."
Mental health is linked with the human's immune system and for this reason it is an important factor during the global public health crisis.
Dr Helal Uddin said fear releases stress hormones in humans and it has a negative effect on the immune system.
Looking at the brighter side
The movement restriction in this pandemic could bring opportunities to people who have the privilege to stay at home without worrying much about basic needs for the next two months or so.
Mental health experts think this section of people should use this time to develop interpersonal relationship and also make some time for self-bonding.
Shami Suhrid, psychosocial counsellor of Brac University Counselling unit, told Dhaka Tribune that people should focus on the psychological space this lockdown has created for people.
"We need physical distance and social solidarity," said Shami, adding as technology has made it a lot easier to stay connected with each other.
"Worrying too much about the future is not going to help our sanity because we do not have any control over the future.
"We need to take one day at a time which means we have to focus on how to make the day productive and worthwhile," he said.
Staying informed is important but spending hours on pandemic related news is not going to help, he said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended: "The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about an outbreak can cause anyone to feel worried. Get the facts, not rumours and misinformation. Facts can help to minimize fears."
Psychosocial Counsellor Shami Suhrid recommended taking up new hobbies along with rediscovering old habits, spending time with family, and doing some sort of physical exercise every day.
"It is important to schedule some me time every day as well. Self-bonding in this difficult time will help people get through the stress," he said.