The Psychology of Quarantine for Healthcare Marketers

Remaining in quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic is crucial for preventing the spread of the virus; however, it does come at a cost psychologically for healthcare marketers. Research has shown that separating from friends and family has detrimental effects on one’s mental health and wellbeing. There are numerous reasons for feeling down during quarantine, but there are also ways to neutralize the psychological consequences.

There are psychological and physiological reasons why healthcare marketers are eager to leave quarantine.

Humans thrive on interactions -- it is instinctual to be social. Loneliness is an unpleasant feeling that motivates the brain to seek social connections. This is an especially difficult time for extraverts who are stimulated by social interactions. In a recent study published in the American Psychological Association, loneliness increases the chances of dying compared to people with stronger social connections.

Loneliness is uncomfortable.

Disrupting routines, especially eliminating activities that healthcare marketers enjoy, will have a significant effect on mood. Additionally, increased periods of boredom can lead to anxiety and even depression.

Physically moving less leads to lethargy or restlessness.

2 weeks of inactivity can negate heart health and muscle mass. Healthcare marketers should try to move around in their home offices or even take a break during the day to take a walk.

Long-term effects of staying in quarantine.

Published in The Lancet, one study determined that quarantining during disease outbreaks leads to post-traumatic symptoms, depressions, confusion, anger, fear, and substance misuse. Mental health professionals are concerned about a potential mental health crisis as depression rates, and even suicides, increase throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stress factors during a quarantine.

The fear of infection, whether it be to oneself or infecting family members, can have the largest impact on mental health during the quarantine. In addition to inadequate supplies or information, these factors lead to anxiety or anger. With a loss of routine, many healthcare marketers also become frustrated and bored during quarantine, increasing stress levels.

How to offset the psychological effects of quarantine.

Staying informed and having a firm understanding of the situation may help ease worrying while quarantining. It is also important to frequently catch up with friends and family online, or socially distanced, in order to fill the void many healthcare marketers experience with the lack of social interactions. Front-line and healthcare workers are especially susceptible to the unfortunate effects of living in a pandemic. Remember to support the country’s essential workers.