A study published in Nature Portfolio examines the relationship between our sense of self during the COVID-19 lockdown and our increased digital intake.
According to the study, a shift to a hyper-digitalized lifestyle and self-isolation can lead to dissociative disorders. Depersonalization (DP) is described as feeling detached from oneself. Those who experience this phenomenon express concern about feeling out of the body, feeling on autopilot, or even the sensation of floating. Normally caused by severe trauma or emotional stress, derealization or the feeling of living in another world or dream-like state, it forces itself into extreme detachment from its surroundings. If experienced chronically, it can lead to a diagnosis of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder.
In an international online survey, 622 participants completed the Cambridge Depersonalization Scale (CDS-29) questionnaire and lifestyle survey to identify experiences of DP and vividness of positive or negative emotions before and during COVID-19. Notable behavioral changes were reported, such as a more sedentary lifestyle with fewer physical encounters and proximal movements, ie, fewer surfaces, objects or people touching. Instead, people spent more time watching movies, TV and YouTube videos, playing video games, and meeting people online rather than participating in physically demanding activities or manual work, such as visiting others or playing sports.
Researchers found that while most participants stayed connected with others online during the pandemic, an increase in digital communication also increased DP experiences. Negative emotions during the lockdown were also more alive than positive emotions.
Limitations of the study include data from 2 principle component analyzes (PCA). One PCA measured the frequency of each activity, while the other PCA identified the lifestyle differences performed before and during the pandemic. The lifestyle survey required each participant to recall daily life from 6 months before, potentially compromising results. Also, the season of each country may have been different for each participant i.e. summer, outdoor activities vs winter, indoor activities.
The researchers concluded: “Our research may help address important questions related to human well-being in the general population during a lockdown. Our results suggest that, paradoxically, increasing online social interactions and digital activities may have negative effects in some people. such as inducing feelings to live more in the ‘head’ (mind) and less in the body.These findings also point to potential risks associated with overly sedentary and hyper-digitalized lifestyle habits, which make people feel less ‘real‘ and feel less connected to their close physical and social environment.”
Reference
Ciaunica, A., McEllin, L., Kiverstein, J, Gallese V, Hohwy J, Woźniak M. Zoomed out: digital media use and depersonalization experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown. On the same subject : Minister Magarik announces leadership changes at Department of Health and Human Services – State of Delaware News. Scientific Rep. 12, 3888 (2022). doi:10.1038/s41598-022-07657-8
For example, the following factors can lead to a period of poor mental health: child abuse, trauma or neglect. social isolation or loneliness. experience discrimination and stigmatization, including racism.
What is mental health definition PDF?
Mental health is determined by how people think and feel. about themselves and their lives, and that it affects how one. individual copes and manages in times of adversity. mentally. health is seen as an influence on a person’s ability to function and.
What is the definition of mental? Definition of Mental (Entry 1 or 2) 1a: Of or pertaining to the mind Specific: Of or pertaining to an individual’s overall emotional and intellectual response to the sanity of the external reality. On the same subject : A new issue for mental health will be launched soon. Here’s how Indiana prepares. b: of or pertaining to intellectual as opposed to emotional activity mental acuity.
What is mental health definition essay?
Mental health is not just a concept that refers to the psychological and emotional well-being of an individual. See the article : HIV testing before and during the spread of COVID-19. Rather, it is a state of psychological and emotional well-being in which an individual is able to use their cognitive and emotional capacities, meet ordinary demands and functions in society.
What is the best definition of mental health?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It influences how we think, feel and act. It also helps determine how we deal with stress, interact with others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood.
What are common mental health concepts?
realize our capabilities, live a life with purpose and meaning, and make a positive contribution to our communities. form positive relationships with others and feel connected and supported. experience peace of mind, contentment, happiness and joy. coping with the ups and downs of life and being confident and resilient.
What are the most common types of mental health? Seven common types of mental disorders are:
- Depression.
- Anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorders, social anxiety disorders, panic disorders and phobias.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Bipolar disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia.
What are mental health concepts?
Concepts used in various mental health articles encompass both important aspects of the WHO definition, namely positive emotions and positive functioning. Keyes (5.6) distinguishes three components of mental health: emotional well-being, psychological well-being and social well-being.
What are the 5 elements of mental health?
There are five main aspects of personal health: physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual.
What causes mental illness in the brain?
Most scientists believe that mental illness results from problems with communication between neurons in the brain (neurotransmission). For example, levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin are lower in individuals with depression. This finding led to the development of certain drugs for the disease.
Is Mental Illness in the Brain? But as scientists continue their research on the human brain, they have found evidence that mental illness can cause or exacerbate existing disruptions in the way the brain works, and in some cases even the way the brain is structured.
