UAE Priory expert warns of Covid-19 depression amid global concerns about a "second wave"

• Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai is seeing patients who have never experienced depression before
• Those with depression can follow steps to help them get through the day
• Talking therapies and early intervention are key 

A leading mental health expert is urging people to recognise and act on the signs of depression following evidence that the number of sufferers has doubled in some places during the pandemic as people struggle to cope with huge uncertainty about the future.

According to recent research from the UK[i], nearly one in five people (19.2%) said they were suffering from depression in June, compared with 9.7% of participants in March. Younger people, those with disabilities, women and keyworkers were more likely to be affected by depression during the period surveyed.

A large majority (84.9%) of adults experiencing some form of depression said they had been feeling stressed and anxious, and 42.2% said their relationships were being affected.

These findings are consistent with the increase in patients experiencing anxiety and depression at the Priory Wellbeing Centre in Dubai following the coronavirus outbreak. Mandeep Jassal, a behavioural therapist at the centre, says: “Any time there is an adjustment to our usual situation, emotions such as anxiety, frustration and depression can surface. The current situation is an extreme case in point. It may cause a resurgence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in existing patients, in addition to an increase in new referrals – many of whom have never experienced such symptoms before.

“We all want to feel safe and secure in both our home and work lives, yet the current pandemic has, for many, thrown this into complete disarray. Large numbers of people are now struggling to contend with financial insecurity as a result of a decrease in income or job loss. Others are experiencing feelings of grief where they have not been able to travel and visit loved ones or lost a relative due to the pandemic. General feelings of isolation and loneliness are common due to various social restrictions. Our whole sense of purpose, identity and structure has been impacted, with many now struggling to manage an overwhelming and constant sense of panic not knowing when the situation will improve.

“For all age groups, untreated depression and anxiety invariably worsens and can have devastating consequences. Fortunately, both depression and anxiety are very treatable and respond well to treatment, particularly if initiated early”. 

Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, but some of the key symptoms patients have been coming to the centre with, include:

• Feeling lethargic, tired (not sleep related) and having “brain fog”
• A sense of hopelessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Inability to concentrate on work
• Inability to sustain healthy relationships
• Little interest in doing things
• Experiencing self-destructive thoughts

Mandeep provides some expert recommendations to help manage the symptoms of depression: 

Feeling more depressed in the morning can be a symptom of chronic depression. Diurnal mood variation is where you experience more intense symptoms in the morning and find that they gradually improve throughout the day. 

What to do when you are waking up depressed

Plan your day the night before and try to break it down into small and manageable ‘segments’. Set goals that are achievable and realistic and try to have something to look forward to each day – whether it’s meeting a friend for a physically-distanced coffee or a Zoom catch up with family. Research shows that when we get up and do an activity – even something as simple as going for a short walk or meeting a friend – our motivation increases and there is a lift in our mood. Usually the first step is the hardest, but in order to get the body’s engine going, doing any kind of activity is hugely beneficial as it releases endorphins which reduce our perception of pain. Use the acronym ACE to help yourself out of the dark tunnel:

A – Achievement. It might not feel like it’s a big achievement compared to when you were feeling healthy, however acknowledge small wins like getting out of bed, brushing your hair and eating something small. These achievements will help build your confidence as you try to move onto greater challenges.

C – Closeness and connection to others. As humans, we are naturally social animals and it is important to connect with people who you can trust and who are non-judgmental. Keeping your family or friends informed about your struggles can help alleviate the burden of feeling being alone, which is very common with depression.

E- Enjoyment. Humans are playful creatures and it’s important to have something that makes you want to jump out of bed in the morning. Maybe its learning to play an instrument, speak a new language, or participate in a sporting activity. There is something out there for everyone, you may just need to experiment for a while until you find it.

Make small changes to your routine

To feel comfortable and be in a state of mental and emotional equilibrium, you need to have stability and structure in your life. However, when you’re depressed, this is no small feat. Yet, a set plan or routine each day helps to keep us mentally focused and reduces the chances of slumping into negative thinking. Keep the mind occupied at all times. Simple steps that can help include: 

• Lay your clothes out the night before – one less thing to worry or stress about in the morning
• Break the day up into manageable chunks and recognise each achievement, whether it’s having breakfast, a shower, or sitting down to do an hour’s work
• If symptoms are worse in the morning, put any substantial work/chores off until later in the day when your body and mind has relaxed more
• Practice mindfulness with whatever activity you are doing – whether it’s eating, going for a walk or watching your children play. Focus all your senses and attention completely on this activity in order to feel grounded and in the present
• Get moving! Undertaking just 15 minutes of exercise a day is considered a ‘natural’ antidepressant and can lift our mood and make us more resilient
• Ensure ‘wind down’ time. Put candles on, have a relaxing bath, read a book or listen to your favourite soothing music. Remember the music we chose has a direct impact on our mood, so it can be useful to devise a playlist of ‘feel good’ songs that can be reached for when in need of a ‘lift’
• Go to bed and set your alarm for the same time to wake up every day to help your mind and body settle into a routine. Sleep has an important restorative function in ‘recharging’ the brain at the end of each day. Maintaining a regular sleep-wake cycle allows the natural rhythm of the body to be reset every day and therefore optimises brain functioning

Seek professional support for depression

If you are concerned that you might be depressed or if your symptoms of depression are present for at least two weeks, it is essential to seek professional support. Remember, it is okay to ask for help and there are professionals who wish to support you. Seeking support can help you to gain perspective and insight into the condition – both key in aiding recovery. It can also help to feel that someone is on the journey to recovery with you and that you are not alone.

The Priory Wellbeing Centre has a range of professional ranging from psychiatrists to psychologists. Some of the evidence-based treatments according to the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines include, Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and third wave CBT approaches such as Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT).

With global news reports predicting a second wave, Mandeep is keen to highlight the importance of maintaining perspective and of pacing ourselves – physically and mentally – as we try to navigate these testing and protracted times. “Remember how this is a global issue, that is affecting everybody. Try to see any positives in the new ‘normal’, such as more quality time with family and friends and a slower, less hectic pace of life. Stay positive with the help of a gratitude journal - a chance to take a step back and appreciate all the wonderful things you do have.

“Finally, take care of yourself. Remember our mental and physical health and wellbeing are intrinsically linked. Do not underestimate the benefits of a good night’s sleep, a healthy and nutritious diet and plenty of fresh air and exercise. These will all provide you with energy, help enhance feelings of happiness and reduce stress and anxiety levels.”

-Ends-

For further information or to arrange an interview with Mandeep, please contact Tracey Thompson: traceythompson@priorygroup.ae 

About Priory Group

The Priory Group is the leading provider of behavioural care in the UK, caring for around 30,000 people a year for conditions including depression, anxiety, drugs and alcohol addiction, eating disorders and self-harming. The Group is organised into four divisions – healthcare, education and children’s services, adult care and the Middle East. The Priory Group is owned by NASDAQ-listed Acadia Healthcare, which is recognised as a global leader in behavioural health.

[i] Depression in British Adults Doubles During Coronavirus Crisis, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/aug/18/depression-in-british-adults-doubles-during-coronavirus-crisis 

© Press Release 2020