The Mental Health Implications of Quarantined Holidays

Mental health: The connotations of those two words have initiated numerous controversial discussions over the years and there is, evidently, much stigma still surrounding it. In essence, our mental health is our emotional, psychological and social well-being which affects how we think, feel and act. The COVID-19 outbreak triggered many a detriment, but perhaps one of the more silent killers that this pandemic has released is it’s insufferable effect on mental health. I want to touch briefly on how our physiological state is affected by being alone and what this upcoming holiday means in terms of our current situation in this pandemic. Ultimately, I hope to offer an enlightening perspective on making the most of our holidays even while we remain in this obscure and slightly unsure situation.

The American Psychological Association (APA) indicates that social isolation is linked to a number of different health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline and much more. In terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, some people may be feeling higher levels of stress if they are vulnerable to the disease or living with someone who is. Moreover, higher levels of anxiety are much more likely to be prevalent within society now due to the constant temperamental change that we face everyday.

At this stage, with the approaching holidays, you may begin to worry about how your mental health might be affected considering that all the usual festive events and general holiday outings won’t necessarily be the same. Some of you may not get to fulfill annual travel plans, or other family members might be prohibited from travelling here- whatever it may be , there is always a brighter side to be found. We are extremely lucky here in Bahrain, seeing a consistent decline in daily cases since September and with a cooperative society adhering to social distancing rules. With this in mind, we can make the most of this December holiday. Perhaps, with a decreased number of outings compared to previous years, we are faced with the perfect opportunity to stay inside and enjoy some moments of self-care. Whether that be watching your favourite movie, diving into a new book or even treating yourself to your favourite meal, if it makes you feel good it’s self-care.

While struggling with mental health may seem like a daunting topic, it’s an inevitable effect of the current global situation that we’re in. With this in mind, we should endeavour to actively do what we can to preserve our own mental wellbeing and that of the people around us. So, stay active, stay safe and stay smiling!

Charlotte Rodney 12E