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How COVID-19 affected our Mental Health Post-Pandemic
- Jasmine Vargas
- Apr 16
- 3 min read
By: Evan Robinson
Since the emergence of COVID-19, we have witnessed disastrous effects on our physical and mental health. It has been psychologically damaging for most civilians , indicating a potential increase for anxiety and depression. The fear of contracting the infection again, lack of preventive care methods, and apathy from our government can be associated with the looming mental heath epidemic in post-pandemic United States. Since the pandemic, researchers have found that various psychological problems (such as stress, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty) have emerged progressively.
Due to social isolation and lockdown measures, feelings of pervasive anxiety have been linked to this association (Serafini, G., 2020). The uncertainty of our future in health, followed by the persistence of emerging cases, has fueled the burnout most healthcare workers face. Regular civilians more than likely experience their anxiety in the form of boredom, frustration, and loneliness, which can be linked to quarantine restrictions (Serafini, G., 2020). It was an isolating time for all populations to deal with the sudden change in routine, mandated restrictions, and the possibility of contracting a deadly virus. These factors can associate with the spike in anxiety among populations over the years. The lack of social support, loss of freedom, and the separation from community can also fuel anxiety in different communities.
Researchers and healthcare workers had no idea that COVID-19 would shift from classification as a respiratory illness to a disease that affects brain health. Acute neuropsychiatric manifestations of COVID-19 can include stroke, psychosis, mania, depression, or agitation. (Shetty, P.A., 2023). Researchers state that an increasing number of studies are now considering the acute psychological affects of the virus in infected patients and may continue chronically in patients. (Shetty, P.A, 2023). High inflammatory levels may have a link to the long-term prevalence of depressive symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. Patients who were most susceptible to post COVID depression were those that had a severe disease course, due to them having high levels of inflammatory factors. The impact of the virus has been different for various populations. For example, healthcare workers have are less likely to show severe symptoms composed to the population, as well as milder levels of anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, they are more prone to behavioral disorders when caring for patients who suffer from COVID-19. Some of the contributing aspects are the increased workloads, heightened pressures, and uncertainty about the impact of the infection itself (Shetty, P.A, 2023). COVID-19 had affected the emotional and behavioral experiences of children and adolescents significantly. The lifestyle changes, quarantine, transitions to remote schooling, social distancing, and the threat of transmission were linked to depression and anxiety disorders among children and adolescents. Studies have shown that girls were at a higher risk for anxiety or depressive disorders by 19% compared to their counterparts. The lack of positive coping skills, limited social support were also contribuable factors with depression and anxiety. The psychological decline in adolescents and teens contributed to the decline in adults as well. Most adults are parents or caregivers of their children, and parents of children who were admitted to the hospital during the pandemic showcased more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms relative to the epidemic period (Shetty, P.A., 2023). A study has shown significant depression (42%) and anxiety (48%) in parents during the period of the pandemic. This lead to 90% of caregivers adopting feelings of worry and nervousness, shoving that parents feared the risk of contraction to their children and themselves.
There has been countless studies that explains the association of COVID-19 with anxiety and depression, however, It is imperative that we figure out solutions to slow the psychological decline in populations, while still protecting our physiological health. More access to preventive methods (masks, PPE, sanitizers, etc) and more access to mental health resources, (counseling, support groups, stress-reduction techniques, and addressing the issues of anxiety/ depression through COVID) would help reduce the decline. It is imperative now more than ever that we protect each other from the emerging viruses (including COVID) that threaten our humanity.
Resources
Shetty, P. A., Ayari, L., Madry, J., Betts, C., Robinson, D. M., & Kirmani, B. F. (2023). The Relationship Between COVID-19 and the Development of Depression: Implications on Mental Health. Neuroscience insights, 18, 26331055231191513.
Serafini, G., Parmigiani, B., Amerio, A., Aguglia, A., Sher, L., & Amore, M. (2020). The psychological impact of COVID-19 on the mental health in the general population. QJM : monthly journal of the Association of Physicians, 113(8), 531–537. Advance online publication.
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