Thread by @WiseDonkay

Incoming thread on #coronavirus and #Mentalhealth

People are anxious (and justifiably so) about the Coronavirus pandemic, the world over.

We've been monitoring the news closely as well. While I'm not a public health expert, I do have some insights on community mental health RN

While memes and jokes will tell you that mental health user/survivors are adept at cancelling plans and staying in for extended periods, the current situation isn't a laughing matter at all.

AFAIK most workplaces don't offer work from home options and are still working as usual

For someone living with Mental Illness, holding on to a job is essential given the costs of mental healthcare in our country. The added stress of #CoronaVirus is certainly the last thing someone with fragile Mental Health needs

Also, given that it's hard to consult psychiatrists online or order psychotropic medications online (already tweeted about this a few days ago), it's inevitable that MH user/survivors will have to go to crowded public places and possibly have to use public transport to get there

The fears around #CoronaVirus have already resulted in the cancellation of mental health workshops, and group therapy sessions meaning that a lot of us are cut off from our support circles already

A lot of clients are already cancelling therapy sessions offline, which is further likely to impact mental health

So what do we do now?

As allies, please check on your loved ones and friends who are user/survivors. Ask if they need company, essential supplies, cooked meals, meds, and of course, someone to accompany them to therapy sessions.

It's still safe to use precautions and travel

Encourage them to access online therapy options wherever available to ensure continuity of their therapy.

Refrain from sending unverified news on social media. Please take consent from your friends before forwarding news articles on #coronavirus with them. Don't flood them!

As user/survivors know that while mental Illness does affect immunity, if you haven't traveled to an affected country or are not in contact with someone who has, the odds are on your side as long as you follow the precautions that are needed

Multiple reports have said that you don't need masks unless you're unwell. You also don't need hand sanitizers, because soap and water do a better job than most sanitizers.

There are apps like @1mgOfficial that will deliver psychotropic medications with a valid prescription

Feel free to text/call your friends and loved ones for help and company.

Even if you develop any symptoms don't panic. It's still flu season and it's possible for you to have a cough/cold that is not #coronavirus

@mizarcle and I both had throat infections last week

We monitored our symptoms at home, followed the advice of our doctor and both of us responded to first line antibiotics and are better now.

Ofc, we were worried it could be #coronavirus but fortunately it wasn't.

We however ensured that we didn't skip our antidepressants at all

So to conclude: Should we be worried about the #coronavirus? We should, yes. But when worry turns to panic our ability to respond thoughtfully gets really compromised.

Definitely avoid risks at this time and follow precautions. Use the support mechanisms available and sit tight.

Sure, things are bad right now, and they might get worse, but the best we can do right now is support each other and ride this wave.

Let's support each other in these uncertain times and be responsible caregivers to ourselves and our loved ones!