The Emotional Rollercoaster of COVID-19 Patients: Navigating Fear and Isolation

As of today (April 16th, 2023), many countries are reporting spikes in COVID-19 cases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. Not only has it led to loss of life and economic hardships, but it has also caused emotional distress for those who have contracted the virus. In this blog post, we will discuss the emotional experiences of COVID-19 patients when their family members show signs of fear and avoid contact. We will explore the psychological concepts at play and provide references for further reading.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

As COVID-19 is a highly contagious virus, patients are often required to self-isolate or be hospitalized to prevent the spread of the disease. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and emotional distress. According to Cacioppo and Hawkley (2009), loneliness has been linked to various mental and physical health issues, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease.

When family members exhibit fear and avoid contact with the patient, this social isolation is exacerbated. This fear-driven behavior can lead to an increased sense of isolation for the patient, as they may feel rejected or stigmatized (Brooks et al., 2020).

Coping Mechanisms

During these trying times, individuals may employ various coping mechanisms to deal with the emotional challenges they face. According to Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) transactional model of stress and coping, people use different strategies to manage their emotional responses to a stressor. These strategies can be classified as problem-focused (addressing the problem directly) or emotion-focused (managing emotional responses).

In the case of COVID-19 patients, problem-focused coping may involve seeking medical treatment and following health guidelines to recover from the virus. Emotion-focused coping may involve seeking emotional support from friends or family, engaging in mindfulness practices, or using distraction techniques to shift focus away from the fear and isolation.

The Importance of Social Support

Social support is a crucial factor in helping individuals cope with stress and maintain psychological well-being (Cohen & Wills, 1985). For COVID-19 patients, the fear and avoidance displayed by family members can significantly impact the availability of social support.

To overcome this challenge, patients may turn to alternative sources of support, such as online support groups or mental health professionals. Virtual communication platforms can also help maintain connections with family members while respecting the need for physical distancing.

To Recap

The emotional experience of COVID-19 patients when faced with fear and avoidance from family members can be characterized by feelings of loneliness, rejection, and increased stress. It is essential for patients to find alternative sources of support and employ effective coping strategies to manage their emotional well-being during these challenging times. Further research on the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health is necessary to develop targeted interventions for those affected.

References:

Brooks, S. K., Webster, R. K., Smith, L. E., Woodland, L., Wessely, S., Greenberg, N., & Rubin, G. J. (2020). The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence. The Lancet, 395(10227), 912-920.

Cacioppo, J. T., & Hawkley, L. C. (2009). Perceived social isolation and cognition. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(10), 447-454.

Cohen, S., & Wills, T. A. (1985). Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psychological Bulletin, 98(2), 310-357.

Lazarus, R. S., & Folkman, S. (1984). Stress, appraisal, and coping. Springer Publishing Company.