Covid-19 has had an impact on the mental health of so many people worldwide, it’s a new virus and there is limited knowledge on it; and this has caused fear, depression and anxiety. “Human connection is one important factor to ensure the mental wellbeing of any patient who is diagnosed with any illness. Though we aren’t able to physically gather, there are many ways to keep reconnecting and showing our support to those with the virus,” says Justine Mukamwezi, a clinical psychologist. Even with the measure of social distancing, there are many ways to reconnect. “People should engage more with their families and keep interaction. And, engage in hobbies,” says Mukamwezi. To minimise the impact of Covid-19, adaption to this new way of living is needed to re-establish a certain routine in people’s lives. People should know when to seek for help, either professional or even with friend. Though Covid-19 has stopped many activities, what one can do is focus on what they can control and enjoy every moment as it comes. Covid-19 stigma Stereotypes were birthed from this new way of living, and it has resulted in stigmatisation of Covid-19 patients, worsening its spread. In an article by UNICEF, stigmatisation of Covid-19 worsened the spread of the pandemic, people are afraid and hesitant to tell others they were exposed and so the virus spreads unchecked. As humans, we try to understand and get answers for the circumstances we find ourselves in, most of the time, it results in the wrong assumption, and then wrong beliefs. Shame becomes heavy on an individual’s conscience, often blaming themselves for what happened. John Hopkins Hospital released an article on the stigma of Covid-19 that results in a deep shame for the patient, and so they won’t seek medical attention until the symptoms get worse. There are diverse beliefs on Covid-19, in addition, Covid-19 mitigation strategies, like wearing masks and social distancing, have been politicised, which has led to a variation in recommendations and messages across different parts of the world. “Having Covid-19 should never be considered shameful. It’s nobody’s mistake, and so no one should be pointed fingers at for an illness they can’t control, and our support is what they need, not a blame game,” says Yvonne Kayitashonga, Mental Health Division Manager at Rwanda Biomedical Center. One of the things that encourages the stigma of Covid-19 is misinformation and rumours around it. Credible institutions such as World Health Organization (WHO) or the Ministry of Health educate people on the subject, and so anything that hasn’t been confirmed by them isn’t valid. “We give aid to the patients to have confidence in themselves, to know the virus shouldn’t alter their identity and lifestyle, and that life has to go on,” Kayitashonga says.
