Current State of Mental Health Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Mental health has been a significant concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting individuals in various ways.
The pandemic has disrupted many aspects of life, including schooling, work, and social interactions. For those struggling with eating disorders, resources such as Psych Central's Emotional Eating and the Coronavirus, Psych Central's Midlife Eating Disorders in Quarantine, the National Eating Disorders Association's Helpline, and the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders' Helpline can provide support.
Anxiety over reopening is a common feeling, especially for those who have found positive changes during the pandemic. Setting boundaries and creating a personal daily routine can help manage this anxiety, as well as prevent tasks from carrying over into personal time.
Living through a pandemic has removed many foundations we used to rely on, such as a stable income, social support system, and food security. Focusing on reducing stress is crucial for better handling the stressors in life during these challenging times.
Children's mental health may have been affected by disruptions to their schoolwork, learning, and social lives. Parents, particularly parents of younger children, have faced additional concerns, especially those with kids learning remotely or facing trouble finding day care.
For those with existing mental health conditions, the response to the COVID-19 pandemic may have made some symptoms worse. Resources such as Psych Central's Depression Hotline Numbers, Anxiety and Depression Association of America's Support Groups, and Psych Central's Treating Depression: What Are My Options? can offer support. However, for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there is no specific resource mentioned in this article.
The pandemic has had a major impact on parents, particularly parents of younger children. Online therapy is becoming more popular and effective for people during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a convenient and safe way to seek mental health support.
There has been an increase in reported thoughts of suicide and self-harm among young adults, especially among LGBTQIA+ youth. Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 can lower anxiety about contracting the virus, being hospitalized, or dying from the disease.
According to the CDC, there was an 18.2% increase in overdose-related deaths that accelerated around the time stay-at-home orders were put in place. Talking with a mental health professional can provide mental health support during these difficult times.
Mental health professionals have seen an increase in the number of people seeking professional help and therapy. As vaccinations continue to increase, some areas of the United States see a decline in new COVID-19 cases. Despite this, approximately 1 in 5 U.S. adults still experience high levels of distress even as the pandemic passed its 1-year anniversary.
Dr. Jessica Myszak explains that everyone is experiencing the pandemic differently, comparing it to being in different types of boats. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of setting boundaries that make a person feel safer and creating a personal daily routine to manage mental health during these challenging times.
For those experiencing interpersonal and domestic violence, resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline and Futures Without Violence's Resources for Safety and Support During COVID-19 can offer support and assistance.
Less time commuting, more time spent at home, and not feeling as pressured to socialize have been welcome changes for some during the pandemic. However, it's important to remember that everyone's experience is unique, and it's okay to seek help if needed.
In June 2020, 2 in 5 U.S. adults reported difficulties with mental health issues and substance use, and nearly 1 in 3 reported symptoms of anxiety or depression. The pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on mental health, but resources and support are available for those who need them.
