The Psychological Reaction Associated With Corona Virus Pandemic: Implication for Psychotherapists

At the onset of corona virus pandemic (Covid 19) different countries in the globe recorded so many deaths that threw some people into panicking especially because it was sounded that the disease has no cure. The only option giving to people is to self-isolate themselves because some people may be infected with the disease without manifesting any symptoms. This led to the gradual lockdown of businesses, schools and churches to curb or minimize the spreading of the disease. This, in turn, created so many difficulties for the general population in that so many with some saving developed hoarding syndrome whereas the poorest in the society keep languishing in their wretchedness and cannot even afford to put food on the table of various families. There may be several psychological reactions that are associated with the pandemic which may play some roles in how people will cope with the threats of the disease. The present study uses qualitative design to assess a cross-section of 20 adults (10 men and 10 women) in Owerri metropolitan and found among other things feeling of fear/anxiety, stress, depression, and hopelessness. This calls for the attention of the therapist to design management and inoculation strategy on how to assist people at risk of developing these psychological reactions.