KENYA: Nun Psychologist at Tangaza Calls for “Holistic Approach” in Addressing Covid-19 Effects
Poster announcing The Leaders Guild Webinar
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
A Kenyan nun on Saturday, October 31, while addressing the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and society as a whole, has suggested the need to approach the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic holistically not only the mental health but also the physical, emotional, social and spiritual wellbeing.
while addressing the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and society as a whole,
“COVID-19 has traumatized so many people globally, causing extreme emotional and physical stress which leaves one feeling powerless, helpless and paralyzed. If these effects are un-attended, distress can result to more serious effects such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), depression and even suicidal tendencies,” Sr. Jacinta Ondeng a member of the Religious institute of School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) said during an online session while addressing religious women and men, priests and the laity from Africa and beyond.
“Because of the scary scenes of deaths and the hospital situation we have witnessed during this period of Covid-19 and which has affected us emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually, we need a “holistic approach” in addressing these effects,” Sr. Ondeng disclosed.
Basing her reflection on the Bio-Psycho-Social model developed by some American Psychiatrists and which focuses on the interconnectedness between biology, psychology and social-environmental factors, Sr. Ondeng who is a Psychologist and a teaching staff at Tangaza University College noted that the effects of the model has been broad hence “the addition of the fourth level which is Spiritual.”
“Biologically, Covid-19 has affected the health of so many people in the world causing fear, stress, panic, depression, anger and suicidal attempts which affects us are psychologically,” Sr. Ondeng underscored and added, “So many people are also not able to provide for their basic needs hence the social is also affected and amidst all these as believers, we at times question God and that means our spiritual life is affected as well.”
The Kenyan-born nun during the webinar session themed Psychological Impact of Covid-19: Dealing with Emerging Challenges this Time and Beyond, reminded the participants to continue doing the good expected from them by following the protocols provided by various States, and “to model personal behaviors so that others can learn from us and do what is right.”
“One protective factor for Covid-19 is the development of resilience for us and others so as to adapt well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress” Sr. Ondeng said as a way forward to deal with the challenges of the current pandemic and continued, “Even though we go through serious effects of Covid-19, and the pandemic may shutter us down, we can still re-bounce back.”
The SSND nun encouraged over 60 participants she was addressing during the online session to identify their sources of resilience and develop “inner strength and will power so as to remain strong amidst the pandemic.”
“Keeping social networks alive and staying connected is key at such times,” Sr. Ondeng disclosed and explained further, “Make a list of those you wish to connect with to ensure you feel alive by writing and respond to emails, writing letters and texts among others.”
“Being less resilient to social threats such as the pandemic may enhance the risk of developing psychological disorders and at the same time we also need to be sources of resilience in other people’s lives too,” the nun said adding that we need to hold close social support systems which is part of a supportive social network that comes from many sources including family members, friends, pets, neighbors, coworkers and organizations.
The two-hour webinar was convened by The Leaders Guild (TLG) a leadership development programme under the Centre for Leadership and Management (CLM), Tangaza University College, founded with support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and DePaul University, Chicago, USA, whose intent is to develop competent and holistic servant leaders and managers, including the Catholic Religious Sisters.
