5 Ways the Pandemic Created Mental Health Problems

According to an APA survey, in comparison to previous years, the demand for psychologists is continuing to increase and has jumped significantly since the start of the pandemic.

Psychologists and therapists are finding themselves overbooked and overloaded with clients that are struggling with various mental health disorders such as: anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and others.

And just like many other health care professionals, psychologists are beginning to feel the pressure themselves. After all, we’re all people, and a major disruption like a pandemic, or more specifically, big disruptions in the way that most of us were used to living life, is bound to affect us all, one way or another. An increase in mental health problems is perfectly understandable if you consider that what we as humans need the most and thrive on, has been removed or restricted.

Depression and anxiety rates have been reported to be six times higher in comparison to 2019.

Anecdotally, if you look at the data, it’s hard to know exactly how deadly COVID-19 was/is due to lack of accurate data. Case-fatality ratios have been crudely calculated as anything from less than 0.1% to over 25% between countries, according to the WHO.

So while a million people killed a year seems like it’s a lot, if you compare it to suicide, for example, you will find that due to the many negative and suppressing pandemic changes that took place, like lockdowns and social distancing, the suicide rate is actually on par with the death rates from Covid-19. As all efforts were focused on understanding the epidemiology, clinical features, transmission patterns, and management of the COVID‐19 outbreak, there has been very little concern expressed over the effects on one's mental health and on strategies to prevent stigmatization.

1. Lock Down

Measures implemented to contain the pandemic and the pandemic itself have contributed to a greater number of suicides, depression, and anxiety among kids and teenagers. Humans, especially growing and still developing humans, prosper when in the company of friends and supportive acquaintances. The closure of entertainment venues, public and private educational institutions, and other social gatherings has created a lot of sadness and uncertainty among kids and adolescents and people in general. Abusive home environments, boredom, and technology/social media over-consumption has exacerbated the issues further.

In this article I will talk about the various mental health implications that have followed the pandemic and the pandemic containment restrictions and discuss what’s behind these out-of-control mental health issues. We will talk about families and relationships and how the pandemic has contributed to relationship problems and in turn more lonely and depressed individuals. And finally, I will offer some tips and effective strategies that you or your loved ones can use to keep yourself sane and mentally healthy.  

2. Kids and Teenagers at Risk 

People are social animals and we need each other in order to thrive, feel optimal, and prosper mentally and emotionally. Having good friends and a strong support system in place has been proven to strengthen our immune system and add to our overall well-being.

Due to the pandemic and the pandemic’s restrictive measures, many people including teens and kids, were left on their own or worse, at home, but in a less than optimal and abusive environment.

For some, going to school and being able to practice sports or participate in different after-school activities was a safe haven. Not only were they able to see their friends more and talk about whatever was bothering them. But they were also able to redirect all of that pent-up and negative energy into other and more healthy pursuits.

The pandemic left many isolated, uncertain, sometimes abused by either stressed-out parents or parents that are intentionally abusive, and even more dependent on unnatural channels like social media and television to help them cope. Screen time among teens and kids significantly increased during the pandemic and was much higher than the 1-2 hours a day recommendation rate. And according to researchers and a few studies that have been done on children’s screen time and mental health, anything above 1-2 hours for kids and teens in screen time increases mental health issues and can exacerbate irritability; worsen attention; increase anxiety and depression, and contribute to hyperactivity.

Some of the symptoms or changes in behavior that are seen in kids and teenagers are -

• Changes in eating habits, not eating anything or overconsumption of food

• Moody and irritable

• Angry and sad

• Difficulties concentrating and paying attention

• Refusal to participate in typical activities

• Excessive crying and annoying behavior

On top of this, kids and teens stuck at home watching television, distance learning on their computers, and playing video games have significantly reduced their time outside, in nature, fresh air, and out in the sun; exercising and in turn, benefiting from being outside.   

3. Families and Relationships

Due to the pandemic's policies and restrictive measures, a lot of families are suffering. Just like social-time, a little time away from one another is beneficial. There needs to be a healthy balance. Most families were forced to work from home and stay at home as a unit, so many didn’t get any opportunities to be on their own and to recharge. Parents were also pushed into constantly taking care of their children while working from home. Never-ending interruptions at home, an entirely new way of existing without any support, and even more work/financial uncertainty has added a tremendous amount of pressure on most households. Many families lost their jobs either because they didn’t want to get vaccinated or because their company shut down or downsized. This has contributed to even more depression, suicides, and fights/arguments and strained relationships at home.

People need an outlet for their negative energy, and if they can’t find it then they are more likely to take it out on one another. For many, a refreshing stroll in the park, a nice brunch in a restaurant or a café, playing sports inside or outside, or visiting a bar was that outlet. During the pandemic, most places were closed and people were forced to stay at home. Their healthy outlets were taken away, and they were left “stuck” with one another. Perhaps for some couples the extra time spent together was just what they needed, but for the majority, that time was too much to handle.

According to an analysis that was done on domestic violence, the pandemic and the restrictive measures because of the pandemic contributed to an increase of 8.1% to domestic violence in the US.

And that’s unfortunate but also understandable especially if you consider someone who doesn’t have the coping skills to deal with stress and pent-up negative emotions.

4. Incrimination and Fear

Previously infected health professionals and individuals might experience a lot of incrimination from strangers, family and friends, co-workers and acquaintances. Generally, people recently released from quarantine will experience a lot of stigmatization and because of this will go through a mix of emotions. Due to the virus' unprecedented nature, a lot of people will develop strange behavior around the previously infected and recovered individual. Going as far as avoidance and even cutting ties. Because of this, the said individual will have to possibly face even more isolation and might even experience shame. Feeling as if they are now faulty and undesirable.

A lot of individuals are also choosing not to get vaccinated or don’t see the need to as they have gotten the virus and now possess natural immunity which some health professionals argue is stronger than a pharmaceutical alternative. Some are choosing to hold off as it’s an experimental gene therapy and at this time, nobody has enough long term health studies to deem these injections entirely safe and effective. Yet, the pressure from our governments is monumental and many are being coerced into taking something that they don’t feel is right for them. The pressure to do something one doesn’t feel comfortable doing can be coming from a lot of family members and friends and this makes the individual feel isolated and feel as if they are completely on their own without any support. This situation can create a lot of negativity and negative thoughts which might turn into a possible depression.

Not being able to go out with your vaccinated friends or even go into a bookstore with your kids can make you feel as if you’re now a second-class citizen living in a two-their society. Feeling like your very private and personal health decisions are being disregarded, ignored, and looked-down on.

5. Elderly at Serious Risk

According to medical experts, people aged 60 and above are at a greater chance of catching Covid-19 and can develop a serious or life-threatening condition even if they are in good health. And because of this, family members, friends, and others might steer clear and leave the already lonely grandparent even more sad and isolated. Many grandparents were left even more alone without the much relied upon support from their grandchildren and other support systems. People didn’t visit out of fear of catching coronavirus or out of fear of passing it onto grandparents and endangering their lives.

Physical isolation at home among family members can put the elderly at serious mental health risk. It can create a traumatic situation and distress for them as the elderly rely on the youth and their support for their daily needs and self-isolation takes that away from them.

Here are some of the changes that the elderly may be displaying to take note of -

• Becoming irritable, impatient, and developing shouting episodes

• Changes in eating and sleeping behavior

• Emotional outbursts

In Conclusion

The coronavirus pandemic and extremely strict measures implemented took a significant toll on societal mental health. From greatly increasing anxiety and depression among teens and kids because they were forced to isolate themselves from friends and couldn’t gather socially. To negatively impact families and relationships because couples were stressed from too much togetherness or dealing with readjusting work environments, work layoffs, and the constant needs of their newly homeschooled kids. Incrimination was also an issue for those that did get coronavirus but recovered and those that decided not to get vaccinated for health or personal/religious reasons. Feeling alone, unseen, and misunderstood made those individuals feel like second-class citizens. And lastly, the elderly were the group that was most at risk of catching coronavirus and dying from it, so they suffered a great deal. From abandonment to depression and loneliness to physical neglect.

So now that I’ve covered some mental health issues that our society is facing, let’s dive into my favorite solutions. 

What You Can Do to Help Yourself and Others - 

• Talk to a trusted friend or schedule an online therapy session here - Erin Harings LPC or by following our advice in this helpful blog post - How To Book the Best Therapist for You in Minutes

• Communication is everything, so if you have kids or teens that you are noticing are struggling then talk to them and try to comfort them. Let them know that the situation is likely not permanent and that things will improve soon.

• - Put aside some family time and play indoor or outdoor sports. Exercise, the sun, and fresh air will improve all of your immune systems and will keep your family stronger and happier. If you’re still uncertain whether to go outside or not, then play physical games indoors.

• - Learn gardening as a family and grow some food. Not only is it a useful skill to know, but it teaches patience and responsibility. Taking care of plants isn’t easy, and the fruits of your labor will be delicious.

• -Read some books and develop yourself. Just because you can’t travel and are isolated physically doesn’t mean that you are forbidden from traveling in your imagination. Newsflash, traveling in your head can be an even greater and more enriching experience.

• -Lost your work recently? It’s going to be okay. Don’t worry. Start looking at starting new projects. We need your skills and talent because I am certain that you’ve got one or a few. You might not have discovered it yet. So get to searching and I guarantee that you will find what you’re looking for sooner than later.

• -Self-love and self-care baby. Don’t you ever forget it. Treat yourself like the most amazing person that you are. Do something special for yourself daily. Like taking that bubble bath with lavender oil, giving each other massages if you’ve got a significant other, or doing something that you really enjoy doing.

• -Watch those thoughts in your head. Our thoughts are not us. But they can create depression if you let your own thoughts spiral out of control. So pay attention to your negative thoughts and instead of believing all of them and letting them suck you into quicksand, stop them. And replace them with more positive thoughts.

• - Have faith. Where there is fear there is no faith. We can either be faithful or be fearful. One or the other. In faith, you will always be okay. But by being fearful, you basically tell yourself that you don’t trust or believe in yourself. And that’s simply faulty thinking because look at you and look at how far you have come by trusting in yourself. Stop reading the negative news from questionable sources with their own agenda and sponsors, and start believing in you, your own body, and your own life. You’ve got this and the universe has got your back. You living and breathing now is proof of that. And I’m sure you’ve been through hell and still came back in one piece.

• -Gratitude baby. It’s simple and it’s easy, but it’s oh so giving. Start noticing what you’ve already got and start being grateful for it. It’s easy and simple and it will make you happier, healthier, and wealthier.

• -Don’t have the means to hire a therapist and are lacking friends that you can confide in? No problem. Start journaling. Journal daily and write down all of your thoughts. From positive ones to negative ones. It will help you release some negative emotions and will allow you to witness a clearer perspective.

Sources

• Study links increased screen time during pandemic with rise in mental, behavioral problems - UPI.com

• The coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic's impact on mental health (nih.gov)

• Demand for mental health treatment continues to increase, say psychologists (apa.org)

• Domestic violence incidents rose in the US during pandemic lockdowns, analysis finds - CNN

• America Is Sacrificing the Elderly to Coronavirus (nymag.com)