How is Covid-19 impacting on Mental Health ?

For several months now, people around the world have faced an unprecedented attack on their health, well-being and economy. This has created further obstacles for those already suffering from mental disorders ranging from anxiety to depression to substance abuse. It also creates mental problems in the population on a scale never seen before. The coronavirus is an unseen enemy that has been shown to affect the mental well-being of nearly half of the U.S. population. [1] Given that the pandemic and control methods are likely to continue, these statistics can only get worse, placing an enormous burden on mental health practitioners to remain innovative in supporting and treating their clients.

The AI revolution !

We use Artificial Intelligence both through a coach named Camille and through virtual characters within the scenes. Camille provides support and acts as a trusted companion to whom you can share your concerns without fear of judgment. On the other hand, the virtual characters faithfully replicate real-life social behaviors. You will be able to interact with them in various everyday contexts, such as a party, a date, a job interview, or a spontaneous conversation on the street. Learn more

Receive the C2Care method for free, combining Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality !

1. HOW IS IMPACT ?

The mental impact of Covid-19 or Coronavirus falls mainly into two categories. Dealing with the disease itself and the fear of contracting it as well as dealing with the measures put in place to try to mitigate its spread. The problems encountered include: [2], [3]

  • Fear for one’s own health
  • Worry and fear for the health of loved ones
  • Coping with the loss of a loved one
  • Financial distress caused by job loss, reduced business opportunities or business closures
  • Isolation and loneliness for vulnerable people having to protect themselves, closed schools, support services, workplaces and entertainment venues as well as the inability to see and connect with friends and family due to confinement
  • Fear of what the future may bring

In turn, these problems lead to a range of symptoms that can be experienced to a greater or lesser extent. These include:

  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Changes in eating habits leading to excessive weight gain or loss
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Generalized or more specific anxieties
  • The appearance of signs of depression
  • The appearance of a phobia such as agoraphobia
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Worsening of existing health problems
  • Worsening of existing mental problems such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
  • Increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other substances
  • The onset of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after surviving the coronavirus

2. HOW TO COPE WITH THE STRESS OF THE PANDEMIC ?

Practitioners can offer counseling to help patients cope with the coronavirus pandemic and offer more specialized treatment options such as virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET). They can encourage people to keep up with the latest facts using reliable sources rather than social media, and make sure they know who to turn to if they need specific medical or financial help. It is important that even if they focus on caring for someone else, their patients can only stay strong and healthy by also taking care of themselves. While social media can be harmful if it gives false information or spreads dangerous rumors, it can be a valuable tool for connecting with others and reducing the impact of isolation.

Learning relaxation tools such as yoga and meditation or spending a few minutes doing deep breathing are effective coping mechanisms. Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep are essential, as is trying to avoid the temptation to drink too much and smoke. Studies by the World Health Organization show that smoking is clearly involved in hospitalization and death from coronavirus. If, however, coronavirus-related anxieties, eating disorders, addictions, stress and phobias become too difficult to manage at home, then Virtual Reality Exposure Therapies (VRET) are proving to be an essential part of the therapist’s toolbox.

3. THE USE OF TERVS TO TREAT ANXIETY AND OTHER DISORDERS

Studies referenced by reliable sources such as NCBI show that the use of TERVs is “highly effective in treating phobias compared to active or inactive controls and was slightly but significantly more effective than in vivo exposure”. [4] With C2Care, health professionals are successfully using this virtual therapy and are now applying it to mental problems such as anxiety and hygiene phobias created by the coronavirus pandemic.

Once reserved for military training, then a popular part of the virtual gaming world, virtual reality has become a cutting-edge tool that allows clients to expose themselves in a safe and controlled manner to the stimuli that cause their anxieties. VETs work on principles similar to those of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Anxieties and phobias cause people to avoid the situations that provoke them, thus limiting their lifestyle. With this therapy, they are gradually exposed to these fear-provoking situations in a slow, safe and controlled manner until they can act normally and enjoy life again.

Social distancing and isolation whether self-imposed or government imposed can lead to agoraphobia, the fear of leaving the house or being in stressful situations such as public transportation or shopping. With our TERV applications, the patient is progressively exposed to places that trigger their anxiety. During the sessions, the therapist is in complete control and can increase or decrease the virtual exposure according to the patient’s responses. This immediate feedback in a safe and controlled environment proves to be a valuable tool.

Being critically ill or having to spend time in intensive care units leads to delayed onset of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in recovered coronavirus patients. With TERVs, patients can safely re-engage with the incidents that triggered their trauma response. C2Care uses this virtual therapy to recreate the trauma of the ICU allowing clients to visualize and manage it in context, gradually removing the vivid and debilitating memories and flashbacks left by their illness.

As the world emerges from the pandemic and individuals and societies adjust to a new “normal,” effective, targeted mental health care and support will be more important than ever. At C2Care, we can help you provide it.

Bibliography:

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
Our technical support team is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM (Paris time), at technical@c2.care
You can cancel at any time by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.