SITUATION OF PEOPLE IN DEPRESSION DURING THIS COVID 19 LOCKDOWN PANDEMIC

Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that
negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also
treatable. Depression causes feelings of sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities you once
enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your
ability to function at work and at home.
During the early phase of the pandemic in the Philippines, one-fourth of respondents reported
moderate-to-severe anxiety and one-sixth reported moderate-to-severe depression and
psychological impact. The factors identified can be used to devise effective psychological
support strategies. Due to this pandemic a lot of people were stressed and depressed because
of the pandemic and also because of the lockdown. People are so exhausted because of
inadequate physical, social and outdoor activity. The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
pandemic poses a threat to societies' mental health. This study examined the prevalence of
psychiatric symptoms and identified the factors contributing to psychological impact in the
Philippines.
The IES-R mean score was 19.57 (SD=13.12) while the DASS-21 mean score was 25.94
(SD=20.59). In total, 16.3% of respondents rated the psychological impact of the outbreak as
moderate-to-severe; 16.9% reported moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms; 28.8% had
moderate-to-severe anxiety levels; and 13.4% had moderate-to-severe stress levels. Female
gender; youth age; single status; students; specific symptoms; recent imposed quarantine;
prolonged homestay; and reports of poor health status, unnecessary worry, concerns for family
members, and discrimination were significantly associated with greater psychological impact of
the pandemic and higher levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05). Adequate health
information, having grown-up children, perception of good health status and confidence in
doctors' abilities were significantly associated with lesser psychological impact of the pandemic
and lower levels of stress, anxiety and depression (p<0.05).
Moreover, depression is a serious problem, and it doesn't have any medicine, it needs a friend
and someone who's interested to cheer you up. Depression's physical symptoms can include
fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, and pain. Research suggests that these changes
often occur due to hormone and neurotransmitter levels, which are different in people with
depression than in people without the condition
Starting a regular habit of meditation can help us to improve concentration, reduce stress &
anxiety, alleviate depression and generally improve our mental wellbeing.