Emotional discomfort from the pandemic is greater in young women according to experts

Experts from the Dénia Health Department have warned of the increase in emotional discomfort, loneliness and hopelessness that the COVID pandemic has caused. Lorena Cerezo, clinical psychologist of the department, has highlighted the "Mediterranean areas, such as the Marina Alta» as one of the places where this discomfort most affects.

Experts from the Department of Health of Dénia warn of the emotional consequences of the pandemic

The psychologist specifies this location since they are places "where the population is used to carrying out social activities in the open air." In addition, he points out that one of the main reasons for such emotional discomfort is due to the "loss or reduction of social contact."

“The depressive reaction was the most frequent among those surveyed”

Cerezo refers to a study carried out in Spain, in March 2020, in which it is ensured that the depressive reaction was the most frequent among those surveyed (41-75% of cases), followed by avoidant behavior (39-68 %) and stress (27-66%). With these data, the clinical psychologist assures: "Although there has been an increase in the demand for care in Mental Health, we are not in a position to speak of a pandemic, due to lack of data."

On the other hand, Cerezo has highlighted that the robot portrait of the patient who has been diagnosed with a depressive episode during the pandemic is that of a woman, young, with a notable decrease in income caused by the crisis, as a result of COVID, and who has suffered from some type of mental disorder in the past. In addition, it affects: "The situation worsens when patients see how the pandemic is sustained over the months, with different incidence peaks, and the consequent fear of contagion." For this reason, the expert highlights the importance of requesting help in time and the positive action that mass vaccination is generating in the most vulnerable patients.

Finally, Cerezo considers it fundamental to differentiate between sadness and depression. According to the clinical psychologist, sadness is one of the basic human emotions, necessary and adaptive. “Feeling sadness is natural, since it allows us to express psychological, physical or emotional pain; while depression is a sadness extended over time and that debuts accompanied by other symptoms, such as the inability to enjoy, weight loss or gain, sleep disorders, fatigue or loss of energy; in addition to difficulties in concentration or feelings of guilt, among others».