An overviews on how Covid-19 pandemic has impacted people’s mental health worldwide.
Who has been impacted and what kind of factors lead to pandemic-related mental health conditions.
The post also suggests healthy ways in which people can cope with pandemic stress.
The Pandemic’s Toll On Mental Health
With people being forced into quarantine and isolation around the world, it comes with no surprise that many people’s mental health has taken a blow. Whether it’s the loss of a job, of a loved one, the stress of isolation measures, or the general fear of a worldwide pandemic, depression and anxiety have both seen a severe rise in people of all ages.
Why Has The Pandemic Impacted Mental Health?
The primary cause for decreasing levels in mental health is due to the restrictive isolation measures implemented to encourage proper social distancing. With no way to communicate face-to-face, many people feel lonely and hopeless as they are forced to stay indoors and away from others. Many people are also suffering from a lack of routine. For those who are used to a regular work week, set mealtimes, exercise routines, and academic classes, the pandemic has caused a major disruption in their daily routine. This can make it increasingly difficult to find the motivation to wake up early and get work done from home. For students, it can be especially hard to succeed in remote learning without any face-to-face teaching or social interaction. Furthermore, many people who had to transition to working or studying from home are finding it tough to separate their work or academic life from their personal one. This can lead to over-working for additional hours and added stress.
Who Is Being Impacted?
Although many people are experiencing a decline in mental health, according to studies, there seems to be certain factors that make some people more vulnerable to pandemic-related mental health problems than others. For example, people who have lost their jobs and are now experiencing financial hardships on top of the pandemic are more likely to suffer from additional stress and anxiety. Young people are also more likely to experience stress than their older counterparts. Additionally, people who were already dealing with pre-existing mental health conditions are now facing even more stress, as 93% of mental health services worldwide have been disrupted while the demand for these services has increased according to the World Health Organization.
How To Cope With Pandemic Stress
A study in China found that throughout the pandemic, people who spent more time on social media were more likely to feel depressed and anxious. People who also spent a significant amount of time listening or watching the news were more likely to develop symptoms of depression, anxiety, or stress. This is likely influenced by the constant news about Covid-19, which may overwhelm people, rendering them more susceptible to emotional stress. While it’s important to stay informed, consider limiting the time you spend watching the news and going on social media. Instead, stay connected by calling loved ones over the phone or holding club meetings over facetime. If you are stuck doing work or school from home, a great way to stay motivated and to make sure you aren’t overworking is to create a schedule for yourself. This can include scheduled mealtimes, work periods, and exercise routines to help replicate a normal day. Lastly, as always, maintaining physical health by eating balanced meals and moving your body are directly linked to good mental health and may help prevent the development of depression and anxiety.
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