Mental health of repatriates in quarantine is also at risk

By Emme Rose Santiagudo

As repatriates await their reunion with their families and their confirmatory test results for coronavirus disease (Covid-19), their mental health may also be at risk while in quarantine if not given proper attention and support, according to the Department of Health-Center for Health Development Western Visayas (DOH-CHD 6).

More than 4,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and locally stranded individuals (LSIs) have arrived in Western Visayas, based on the partial data from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 6.

Before entering the region, repatriates were asked to secure and present their real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results (negative) alongside other documentary requirements.

Upon arriving, they also have to follow a set of protocols mandated by their local government units (LGUs).

In most cases, LGUs require the repatriates to undergo either a rapid antibody or an RT-PCR test and undergo additional 14-day quarantine in their respective isolation facilities.

Due to the stress caused by the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with the quarantine or isolation experience, repatriates are also at risk of developing mental health problems like anxiety and depression, according to Dr. Bea Camille Fillaro-Natalaray, medical coordinator for mental health of DOH-CHD 6.

“Everyone is affected by this Covid-19. It is taking a toll on our mental health considering that it is a new, adverse, and traumatic experience to all of us. It is normal to feel stressed and worried,” Natalaray told Daily Guardian in a phone interview on Friday.

According to Natalaray, common stressors brought about by the Covid-19 crisis include the fear of being infected, fear of your loved one being infected, travel restrictions, and financial pressure because of unemployment among others.

“Common stressors subong nga Covid-19 amo ang fear of being infected or loved one being infected, travel restrictions, financial pressure because of unemployment, and aton nga mga senior citizens na may existing health conditions like highblood and diabetes but due to Covid-19 daw indi gid sila ka follow-up maayo and bakal bulong,” she explained.

In the same way, repatriates who are under quarantine may also experience the same set of stressors coupled with their feeling of fear while they anticipate their test results and fear of being infected, Natalaray added.

“Our OFWs have the same feeling of fear kay syempre gin-test sila and ga-anticipate sila sang results. They might experience fear of being infected considering pila ka months or years separated sa ila family and tapos pag-abot nila ma-quarantine pa sila for how many days,” she said.

“Given Covid-19 at risk na daan sila, dayon stressed pa sila, eventually kon hindi naton sila ma-help, it could lead to anxiety and depression,” she furthered.

In response, the DOH-CHD 6 has been giving out information and education campaign materials to isolation centers in the region.

The IEC materials include phone numbers of DOH-CHD 6 and other health institutions that can provide mental health and psychosocial support to the repatriates.

“Sa amon sa DOH, we have provided them with IEC materials nga ara da ang phone numbers nga pwede nila matawgan and tips kon paano nila matake care ila mental health during quarantine. We are advocating nga kon wala pa gid gani result sang ila RT-PCR test they can dial the phone numbers when they feel symptoms of anxiety or depression or when they feel lonely or bored,” Natalaray said.

For repatriates who are in isolation, the health department advised them to stay connected and maintain their networks via social media and telephone.

While in quarantine, repatriates should pay attention to their own needs and feelings. They should engage in healthy activities that they enjoy and find relaxing. Exercising regularly, keeping regular sleep routines and eating healthy food are also encouraged.

The health department also emphasized that repatriates should seek information updates and practical guidance at specific times during day from health professionals and legitimate websites. Listening or following rumors that make one feel uncomfortable should be avoided.

Before allowing the repatriates to interact with their loved ones, some LGUs are also providing psycho-social support to their repatriates after they secured negative RT-PCR test.

In the town of Barotac Viejo in Iloilo province, the local government rolled out a quarantine wellness program to LSIs and returning OFWs.

The LGU initiated “Quarantine Movie Nights” where they hold film showings in the community quarantine facility while a Zumba fitness dance is also being implemented every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

Natalaray said other LGUs can do the same and may initiate wellness activities for repatriates provided that they will still follow the health protocols in their quarantine facility like physical distancing and wearing of face masks.

As for the families or loved ones of the repatriates, Natalaray emphasized their role in communicating with the repatriates who are under quarantine.

“Tani as much as possible, stay connected gid kamo sa inyo relative nga OFW or repatriates, communicate always, kamustahun kon may ara siya needs. Importante ma-provide basic needs nila para indi mafeel anxious,” she added.

For those who need mental healthcare and psychosocial support, you may contact the following hotlines of the health department: 02-894-COVID (02-894-26843/1555) DOH COVID-19 Hotline Emergency Center; (033) 332-2575 DOH-WV-CHD Operations Center; 09178998727 (USAP) 09179898727 (USAP) NCMH Crisis Hotline; 09661665255/09283418475 (Antique MHPPSS Hotline); 09219912064/09162411596 (Capiz MHPSS Hotline).

Meanwhile, online users may also visit the Facebook page of Ugat Sandaline from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Western Visayas Psychosocial Support for Covid-19 from 9 a.m. to 12 midnight.