COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019 and quickly developed into a global pandemic, leading to widespread health, social, and economic impacts worldwide. Vaccination efforts, public health initiatives, and continuous research into therapies and preventive strategies have all been used to combat its spread. In addition to endangering physical health, the COVID-19 epidemic has also had a significant negative impact on mental health. The pandemic's negative impact on mental health became more and more obvious as people around the world struggled with lockdowns, social isolation, unstable economies, and virus-related terror. The pandemic has sparked a silent catastrophe that requires immediate care, ranging from anxiety and sadness to increased stress levels and loneliness.
The Effects of Covid-19 on People:
Forced social exclusion and isolation measures have had one of the most severe consequences for mental health. Humans are naturally social mammals; thus, the abrupt breakdown of those relationships has heightened feelings of being alone and cut off from society. Long-term isolation has been linked in studies to the onset or worsening of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
Another major effect is that uncertainty in the economy is breeding anxiety. The economic effects of the epidemic have increased levels of anxiety in addition to causing job losses and financial insecurity. The unpredictable shifts in employment patterns brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic have instilled a sense of insecurity and apprehension about the future in many individuals. The uncertainty surrounding job stability, coupled with economic fluctuations, has significantly contributed to heightened levels of stress and anxiety, adversely affecting mental health across various communities.
The widespread fear of the unknown and the battle to maintain financial stability can be partly blamed for the rise in stress-related disorders and anxiety disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. People had to deal with unknown issues and lacked clear insights into what the future held because of the pandemic's unique character. The ongoing concern for one's health, the health of loved ones, and the pandemic's general course added to the psychological strain and increased stress and anxiety. The economic effects of the pandemic have also caused numerous people and families to struggle financially, including significant job losses, shortened workweeks, and business closures. As people battle with the unpredictability of their financial situations, stress levels have increased as a result of the struggle to make ends meet, pay bills, and obtain basic requirements. In addition to escalating already-present anxiety, this financial burden also breeds fresh concerns about surviving and sustaining a respectable standard of living.
Information overload and worry have been made possible by the digital era, but it has also opened the door for an "infodemic" of false information and terror. The continual barrage of news, frequently sensationalized and conflicting, has led to heightened levels of anxiety and distress. Individuals find themselves overwhelmed by a train of information, struggling to discern fact from fiction, and grappling with the emotional toll of absorbing negative news.
Pandemic Fatigue and emotional exhaustion: As the pandemic drags on, the phenomenon of "pandemic fatigue" has set in. The relentless cycle of lockdowns, restrictions, and health concerns has led to emotional exhaustion and a sense of hopelessness. The weariness of adhering to safety measures while witnessing the persistent global crisis has left many individuals feeling emotionally drained and unmotivated.
Vulnerable populations and the struggle for resilience It is important to recognize that certain populations are more vulnerable to the mental health impacts of the pandemic. Frontline healthcare workers, who have been battling the virus at great personal risk, are susceptible to burnout, trauma, and emotional distress.
Additionally, children and adolescents who have experienced disruptions in their education and social lives may grapple with long-term psychological effects. The only way forward is to tackle the mental health crisis triggered by the pandemic with a comprehensive and compassionate approach. Governments, healthcare institutions, and communities must prioritize mental health services, destigmatize seeking help, and provide accessible resources for those in need.
Research conducted to show the real-life effects of the pandemic
A significant US study that followed participants for up to a year found that COVID-19 patients had a 60% higher risk of mental problems such as anxiety, depression, or substance addiction than non-patients.
The findings suggest that nations should take more action to address the growing difficulty of managing mental health conditions in survivors, given the significant incidence of COVID-19 infections. The findings were published in The BMJ by Washington University in St. Louis and the Veterans Administration (VA) research teams.
In a Washington University in St. Louis news release, clinical epidemiologist and senior author Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, observed, "But while we've all suffered during the epidemic, people who have had COVID-19 fare significantly worse mentally. We must accept this fact and deal with these issues right away to prevent them from developing into much more serious mental health crises.”
https://www.thelancet.com/pb-assets/Lancet/infographics/covid-mental-health/covid-mental-health.png
How can these effects be combated?
Teletherapy, online support groups, and mental health hotlines have rapidly emerged as essential tools for bridging the gap between individuals and professional help. Promoting self-care practices, such as mindfulness, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can play a crucial role in enhancing resilience and coping mechanisms. Building and nurturing social connections, even in the virtual realm, can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. The impact of lockdown also indirectly led to weight gain due to the inability to exercise due to the lockdown restrictions in 2020–2021. The grief caused by the large number of deaths and losses caused by the pandemic often depressed and discouraged the population, which more often than not took a toll on their mental health.
Conclusion
While the world races to contain and mitigate the physical impacts of COVID-19, it is imperative to acknowledge and address the parallel mental health crisis it has spawned. The pandemic has underscored the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, emphasizing the need for a holistic and integrated approach to healthcare. By prioritizing mental health support, fostering resilience, and promoting empathy, society can navigate the challenging aftermath of the pandemic with greater understanding and collective strength.
Written by Aishwarya Srikanth
Edited by Tarleen Chhatwal
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (ASPA). (2023, June 21). HHS issues advisory on mental health symptoms and conditions related to long COVID. HHS.gov. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2023/06/21/hhs-issues-advisory-mental-health-symptoms-and-conditions-related-long-covid.html
Large study reveals clearer links between COVID-19, mental health risks. (2022, February 17). CIDRAP. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/large-study-reveals-clearer-links-between-covid-19-mental-health-risks
The implications of COVID-19 for mental health and substance use. (2023, April 25). KFF. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/#:~:text=Key%20takeaways%20include%3A,compared%20to%20their%20male%20peers.
World Health Organization: WHO. (2022, March 2). COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. WHO. https://www.who.int/news/item/02-03-2022-covid-19-pandemic-triggers-25-increase-in-prevalence-of-anxiety-and-depression-worldwide
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