Anxiety, compulsive disorders and agoraphobia emerge "in a context of apathy and sadness"

When it seemed that routines were returning, social relationships were becoming normal, and the morning coffee at the trusted bar once again occupied its leading role from Monday to Friday... came the spike in coronavirus cases that no one wanted. And, somehow, we return to square one. A difficult situation for many to fit into. “There is an important difference between the first wave, the situation we had to face between March and June, and the second. So, when the pandemic caught us suddenly, it generated fear and uncertainty and, although for many people the change in habits or severe restrictions caused a great impact, the majority knew how to adapt and see it as a temporary break, a pause. But the current situation, in which the news is not encouraging and we have to adapt to new restrictions, people no longer see it as just a momentary thing, but rather a long-term one. Our habits are going to change, we don't know how long and not all of us accept it in the same way," says Claudia García, psychologist at the Association of Depressive Disorders of Aragon (AFDA).

The wear and tear of recent months, says the professional, has led to a general low mood: “The current context is one of apathy and sadness. The future outlook is not encouraging. For example, in September, the month in which people usually organize the course and the year, we have seen more carelessness with all types of activities. Many ask themselves: 'Why am I going to sign up for something if they are going to confine us?' or they discard the idea of ​​continuing in an activity because they had it as a socialization tool and it becomes online, so they lose contact with other people.”

This unfavorable environment is the breeding ground for some conditions that are much less common than depression or anxiety. “We observe that symptoms are occurring, perhaps unexpected only a few months ago, such as agoraphobia and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The first is being suffered by those who went through strict confinement with fear of becoming infected and who continued in that line in the summer. They are mainly adults, over 40 years old. On the other hand, the disorders are related to cleanliness, with an excessive need to keep all surfaces clean.”

The mood is also punctuated, in some cases, by a certain “anger” at the contradictory messages from the authorities. “This uncertainty generates a frustration that must be managed,” says García, who reveals that “some latent problems, such as those related to anxiety, are waking up, when before it could have been easier, although not advisable, to keep them away.” .