The world is at a standstill owing to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Though its origin was in China, but shortly China overcame the pandemic with unprecedented development in medical science, speedy service delivery, and national consensus [
1]. Now, it is anticipated that a psychological outbreak was about to break out, amalgamated with the COVID-19. People around the world have been confronted with severe physical distress, social disruption, and financial loss, which ultimately affect their psychological well-being. Therefore, it is important to anticipate the psychological impact of the pandemic around the world [
2]. Considering the conditions in China, are the Chinese people facing the same problem? Here are some information about how China could win the psychological battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Guidelines for emergency psychological crisis intervention
Soon after the COVID-19 outbreak, China locked down the epicenter Wuhan and many cities to curb the transmission. During the quarantine and general lockdown, it is common to encounter psychological problems. To curb the mental health issues, the Chinese Health Commission integrated the National Mental Health Work Plan, mental health-related associations, and groups of psychologists with a psychological crisis and emergency intervention aimed to address all groups of people, i.e., confirmed patients, isolated people, suspected patients, healthcare professionals, vulnerable people, and the general public [
3].
Careful use of social media
The COVID-19-related posts on social media can cause emotional distress [
4]. In uncertain situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, rumour spreading is ubiquitous and fast. Rumors can arise if there is no ample factual information. Chinese authority disseminated accurate and timely information and news regarding the COVID-19, which stoped the rumors from spreading.
Telephone-based mental health support
During the COVID-19 outbreak, it is impossible to deliver face-to-face mental health services because of quarantine and social distancing. Since the general population had mobile phones, effective psycho-education and intervention were presented by the Chinese mental health authorities through phone calls [
3].
Rehabilitation program
After a pandemic, there may be enhanced social awareness which can slow the spread of the disease; however, individuals may then face greater stress since it is associated with reduced social connection. Chinese authorities presented long-term therapeutic care and re-education, which seems to be the main reason for the healing process.
Endurance of Chinese people
During the initial phase of the outbreak, the COVID-19 case numbers were skyrocketing in the epicenter and the multitude of infection was high which made Chinese authorities care-worn severely. The Chinese people adapted to the situation and followed the guidelines with great patience, which led them to win the battle against the COVID-19 [
5].
Efforts of Chinese healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals of of China showed their incredible dedication and sacrifice. They worked tirelessly to treat the patients and joined the medical team voluntarily in the epicenter Wuhan [
6]. Their service delivery and developing a vaccine is outstanding. Their dedication managed the crisis of exhausting due to long working hours.
Solidarity with the cause
The solidarity and consensus of Chinese people helped them overcome the grief of COVID-19 [
7]. The way they helped the frontline corona warriors without hesitation was amazing. They did their best to help everyone. The government of China also provided aids to other countries which are still underway. This solidarity with the cause, i.e., humanity, helped China win the battle against the COVID-19.
Using the civic sense
During the COVID-19 outbreak, people are expected to stay safe, preserve their emotional distance, and help in every possible ways [
8]. This fundamental sense of following preventive measures helped China to win the battle against the COVID-19. During the pandemic, global unity is highly anticipated to control the situation. Hence, the consensus and civic sense helped a lot with preventing the transmission of virus in China significantly.
Ethical Considerations
Compliance with ethical guidelines
All ethical principles were considered in this article.
Funding
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or non-profit sectors.
Conflicts of interest
The author declared no conflict of interest.
References
- Yi Y, Lagniton PNP, Ye S, Li E, Xu RH. COVID-19: What has been learned and to be learned about the novel CORONAVIRUS DISEASE. International Journal of Biological Sciences. 2020; 16(10):1753-66. [DOI:10.7150/ijbs.45134] [PMID] [PMCID]
- Yang H, Ma J. How an epidemic outbreak impacts happiness: Factors that worsen (vs. protect) emotional well-being during the coronavirus pandemic. Psychiatry Research. 2020; 289:113045. [DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113045] [PMCID]
- Jiang X, Deng L, Zhu Y, Ji H, Tao L, Liu L, et al. Psychological crisis intervention during the outbreak period of new coronavirus pneumonia from experience in Shanghai. Psychiatry Research. 2020; 286:112903. [DOI:10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112903]
- Dubey S, Biswas P, Ghosh R, Chatterjee S, Dubey MJ, Chatterjee S, et al. Psychosocial impact of COVID-19. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 2020; 14(5):779-88. [DOI:10.1016/j.dsx.2020.05.035] [PMID] [PMCID]
- Qian X, Ren R, Wang Y, Guo Y, Fang J, Wu ZD, et al. Fighting against the common enemy of COVID-19: A practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind. Infectious Diseases of Poverty. 2020; 9(1). [DOI:10.1186/s40249-020-00650-1] [PMID] [PMCID]
- Frias L. Thousands of Chinese doctors volunteered for the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak. They are overwhelmed, under-equipped, exhausted, and even dying [Internet]. 2020 [Updated 22 Apr 2021]. Available from: https://www.businessinsider.com/wuhan-coronavirus-chinese-doctors-overwhelmed-sick-even-dying-2020-2?r=US&IR=T
- Na Y. Coronavirus unites a divided China in fear, grief and anger at government [Internet]. 2020 [Updated 22 Apr 2021]. Available from: https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-unites-a-divided-china-in-fear-grief-and-anger-at-government-131549
- World Health Organization. Advice for the public on COVID-19 [Internet]. 2020 [Updated 17 Apr 2021]. Available from: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public