Psychological effects of COVID will linger

Dear Editor,
We have been witnessing the effects of COVID-19 infection throughout the world. No country, no city, no suburb is free of this virus.
Disheartening and horrific scenes of people dying of the virus are the new normal for countries where the mutated virus is ravaging the populace. Lockdowns have caused businesses to go bankrupt, and many have lost their jobs, pushing them to poverty and indebtedness.
Scenes and stories of horror will haunt us and leave an indelible mark in the human history. Many children are orphaned, many parents had to bury their own children, many children had to witness cremation of their parents, burial grounds and crematoriums were filled beyond capacity, frontline workers have lost their lives on the job, dead bodies are being thrown in the river without any dignity, and the list can go on.
COVID has left, is leaving, and will leave a long-lasting impact among the people. Most people have either been infected or have felt the impact by losing loved ones, or losing jobs and such.
COVID has caused unbearable physical pain among the peoples who are infected. But, more importantly, the psychological pain would linger for a long time, and the healing process would need time. People who have lost their dear ones have lived with the void the unexpected COVID death has caused.
COVID is spreading rapidly, it doesn’t have time to grieve the loss, because people have to hustle to remain safe. Psychological repercussions of COVID will continue for a long time, and there needs to be a time for healing and grieving in the aftermath. Families that have been destroyed by COVID would need to support each other, and remain united so that healing can happen. As communities, we have to find ways and means to support affected families. Our humanity is on the test now, and will be tested when COVID is over and when people are grieving for their loss.
Deep-seated fear and anxiety among people will be a norm. However, we can assist each other in overcoming the fear and anxiety.

Sincerely,
Jerri Dias