Covid concerns for patients with mental illness

The National National

THE increasing number of the Covid-19 cases and deaths is affecting many communities, including those with mental illness, Health Department chief psychiatrist Dr Monica Hagali says.
Dr Hagali said people with mental illnesses were as vulnerable as those who were normal.
“Psychiatric services at the Port Moresby General Hospital were scaled down but we continued to provide prescriptions,” she said.
People who are severely mentally ill for the first time can still seek help from the hospitals through the emergency department.
“Safety during this Covid-19 pandemic becomes paramount for everyone, including healthcare providers.
“It is important to remember that healthcare workers are most at risk of contracting the disease.
“Therefore, everyone in the community must think about how best to protect themselves, their family, friends, colleagues at work, peers at school, communities and country.
“There is a need to protect oneself and others and that is through practicing the protective and preventative measures – niupela pasin.
“During this pandemic and the surge in the country, guardians and families of those with mental illness, should:

  • ENSURE that their loved ones continue to take the psychotropic medications they are on;
  • REDUCE high expressed emotions such as criticisms;
  • DISSEMINATE the information of the Covid-19, particularly the preventative measures to loved ones and once they able to understand they will follow;
  • FOR those known to the mental health teams, visit the health facility or call the hospital and speak to the doctor/nurse for prescriptions and get the required medicine;
  • HELP your loved ones get medicine from the hospital and if they are unable, come on their behalf;
  • ENCOURAGE them to eat healthy regular meals (fruits and vegetables);
  • ENCOURAGE regular exercises;
  • EVEN at home, maintain preventative measures;
  • ENCOURAGE your loved ones to refrain from using alcohol and cannabis and reduce or quit smoking;
  • IF your loved one has other comorbidities such as hypertension or diabetes, continue taking the medicines; and,
  • MANAGE regular hygiene practices.