Confinement is a completely new situation, with its share of psychological consequences: fear of falling ill, fear of lack, anxiety linked to uncertainty, loneliness, fear of being forgotten. For some, confinement is felt as a constraint and therefore induces a feeling of helplessness. In others, it appears as acute stress. Finally, the deprivation of freedom can be perceived in a positive way, the occasion of a return on oneself, a moment when we have time to live with our loved ones, taking advantage of the present moment.
With experience in prison, Jérémy Augier, clinical psychologist, psychotherapist and criminologist, sheds light on the repercussions on mental health inherent in this exceptional situation and guides us on the methods to adopt so that confinement does not rhyme with prison!
We see that the French do not necessarily respect confinement… To deprive humans of their freedom, even relative, is to deprive them of a part of themselves?
This confinement was not chosen, but decided by an external authority in order to avoid the rapid spread of the virus. Some may experience it as a constraint, an obstacle to their individual freedom. This push of the human to go out will generate a feeling of freedom. It is a moment of release of tension and aggressiveness during which one reclaims pleasure. This also makes it possible to recover power over the laws, going out can act as a form of resistance against these taboos. For some, this freedom to go out is also a way of distance yourself from the psychoaffective dynamics that can be played out within the home. If true freedom consists in doing everything that does not harm others, it would seem that leaving this space of freedom to the confined in compliance with the regulations is a desirable space for the good of the community.
For people living alone, the risks of psychological disorders are increased tenfold?
It is possible, especially if they do not maintain social ties with the outside world. Humans are social beings by nature and this feeling of loneliness, even if it can be well tolerated for some, can also be very painful for others. Nowadays, there are many ways for isolated people to continue to communicate with their loved ones, via social networks for example. Communities are set up, creating sports groups on the Internet with fixed hours to meet all together. These initiatives increase the sense of belonging and prevent the risk of isolation. However, some elderly people, for example, are not familiar with social networks and may feel forgotten by their family. The inability to communicate spontaneously, estrangement from loved ones, and fear of illness and death actually increase the risk of depression.
We also note that this confinement causes for some an increased appetite for alcohol, as an outlet for loneliness?
Isolation can indeed reinforce or even stimulate the desire to drink. This transient state of alcohol-induced euphoria brings a sense of pleasure and leads to momentary denial of anxiety. This moment of confinement is a time of return to oneself, to one’s life story. Of the buried problems can therefore awaken during this period. This face to face, imposed brutally and for a long time, can thus create distress for some and increase suffering. Faced with these emotions, which are not always identifiable, some will find an outlet in alcohol or even drugs. The challenge may be to mobilize one’s own resources to learn how to manage this distress. Once again, the close entourage can be a stimulating factor in supporting and accompanying the most fragile people.
On another note, we have noted in China, and it will probably be the same in Europe, a very clear increase in divorces…
Indeed, I was able to note this problem at the level of my patients. They are experiencing couple problems linked, in part, to confinement. Being cloistered with your family, sometimes in small spaces, can generate tension, irritation and accentuate latent problems within the couple. Before, time was shared between work, friends and married life. It is now a 24/7 cohabitation. Parents have to help children with their homework, which sometimes leads to despair. Some parents also have to telecommute in this restricted environment. This period can highlight the fragility of the couple. If one is crossed by negative emotions towards the other, one should not hesitate to isolate oneself, to breathe a little in order to resume, thereafter, the communication. I think it is necessary for the couple, in addition to having moments together (the us), toalso have time to yourself (the I). However, we can also look at things from a positive angle. This ordeal can solidify ties. It seems important to me to recreate another framework: to think of another way of operating with confinement. It seems necessary to me to project ourselves into the future, to think about living together beyond confinement.
What advice would you give to better live the confinement?
I think that the key is movement. Already, the movement through his body that evacuates stress. It is important to stay in action by respecting the instructions: walk around, exercise. Walking outside, taking a look at our environment, reassures us of our belonging to the world. This will make it possible to realize that, even if an invisible virus is lurking, the external environment is not only anxiety-provoking.
Then there is the movement that I will call “interior”. Now that I am faced with myself with this apparent inactivity and these fears, I can ask myself the question: “What can I put in place?” This period can be a challenge for everyone. Some, faced with their negative emotions, will consume narcotics, others will choose in a more constructive way to mobilize internal resources. For example, using stress management techniques or developing one’s creativity: reading, music, sport… Finally, it is possible to initiate a spiritual movement, a reflection. “What meaning should I give to the current period? What place do I want to occupy?” Each person will have to give their own meaning, their vision of things according to their feelings, which can be the engine of personal development.
For practical advice, it is important to stay in touch with loved ones, especially through the telephone and social networks. I also advise not to watch the news on a loop. This is a source of anxiety, especially for children. Play family games, be imaginative! Structure your time, create a sort of routine in order to have new time markers. For the most advantaged, you can try to help the most deprived, this creates a feeling of usefulness and valuation which makes it possible to become aware of our interdependence.
Do you think that, as we had to get used to this new life of confinement, we will need a little period of adaptation to deconfinement?
Yes, and I think this adaptation time will vary from person to person. For those immobilized by this amazement during confinement, unable to manage fear and anxiety, deconfinement may be complicated. Some people may suffer from spatio-temporal disorientations. It will therefore not be easy to leave a place where one feels safe to find oneself in a larger environment that generates fear. We must also ask ourselves the question: “Will the coronavirus have disappeared after May 11?” According to doctors and other scientists, probably not! The fear generated by the epidemic is likely to persist after May 11 and some people may decide to remain cloistered despite the deconfinement. If the person has stayed on the move, kept social ties, taken the time to reflect and has not let himself be overwhelmed by the anxiety-provoking climate, the deconfinement will be easier to manage.
Find the full interview on the website Maintenance agents
If the pain becomes too great, people should not hesitate to ask for help. If necessary, there are psychological support platforms:
- National COVID-19 psychological support unit (free)
- Help for the French population in psychological distress during the epidemic and confinement 0 800 130 000 (free, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day)
- For caregivers: Solidarity psychologists or Psyformed.com. (Free Services)
In the event of a situation of violence, the victim must get closer to his family or report the facts in pharmacies or contact 115 or 119 “Allo CHILDREN IN DANGER”.
