The COVID-19 pandemic, a worldwide health disaster that disrupted life worldwide, created a lasting mark on the psyche of everyone. Beyond the initial risk of the disease, the pandemic created mental health difficulties which have begun to spread in communities deep into the pandemic. 

COVID-19 resulted in an escalation of anxiety, depression, and stress, both existing and new, that can now be openly discussed when referencing the pandemic contrary to pre-pandemic experiences of anxiety, depression, and note treatments and roles were perceived as humiliating, stigmatizing, and embarrassing.

The isolation, uncertainty, and financial hardship associated with the COVID-19 pandemic worsened previous mental health disorders and created new disorders. Many people came to sense that even if they “survived” the pandemic, they struggled with long-term consequences: chronic anxiety, chronic depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Understanding the Consequences

The ways in which the pandemic has impacted mental health are simultaneously complex and far-reaching. Across the pandemic, some people have reported a heightened risk of developing anxiety and fear regarding their safety, the safety of their loved ones, and the long-term immediate economic consequences.

Other people have struggled with feeling lonely and isolated, which can be attributed to the social distancing measures, lockdowns, missing family and friends, and being restricted from group activities like school, worship, and leisure.

The financial failings resulting from the pandemic, which included high unemployment, job loss, and uncertainty about the market and workplace are now long-term consequences and carry the risk of threatening mental health and the well-being of individuals. The fear of financial calamity, caused by the potential of job loss (and one’s place in the workplace), can place someone in a thinking state of potential never-ending risk which decreases self-esteem, increases worry and anxiety, and the risk of depression.

Similarly, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted different populations with a different intensity. Health workers, essential workers, and minorities faced even greater risk during a pandemic. Healthcare workers may eat, sleep, and attend professional development conferences with individuals exposed to risks of exposure. Essential workers faced immediate job insecurity (unlike professionals) and the unique risks associated with being disruptible workers and risking it all over skin color, relatives, and communities. All of these phenomena contributed to stress and ultimately mental health difficulties. 

The Silents Epidemic

Mental health has been a recognized consequence of the pandemic for some time, but individuals are still suffering in silence. The stigma and discrimination related to mental health can prevent people from seeking help or disclosing their experiences. Many are left to deal with dependence, shame, isolation, and hopelessness.

We must work to break these negative attitudes and create a supportive environment within which individuals feel comfortable reaching out for help and disclosing their experiences. By breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, we can support more people in reaching out with favorable outcomes to contribute to their recovery.

The Importance of Support Services

Availability of mental health support services is essential to offset long-term outcomes related to COVID-19. There are numerous forms of support such as therapy, counseling, support groups, and medication. Support services can help people manage their mental health and well-being by providing them with important tools and coping skills.

Despite the importance of mental health support programs, many people still lack access to mental health care, especially those in underserved communities. Financial barriers (cost, lack of insurance), as well as inadequate availability of providers, deter people from seeking out mental health support momentum.

It is essential to make available mental health support services affordable and accessible. Possible methods of improving access include increasing funding for mental health support services, expanding telehealth access, and training or re-training healthcare professionals to identify and manage mental health issues.

Promoting Mental Health Awareness

For the long-term effects of the crisis to be addressed, another major step in the direction of supporting mental health is cultivating mental health awareness. By providing people with information that includes symptoms and warning signs of mental health conditions, stigma can be reduced and individuals may be more inclined to seek help in the early stages of a mental health issue.

Many social institutions can help. Schools, workplaces, and the community at large as organizations can provide information and resources to students and employees, and develop an empathic community so individuals feel comfortable talking about mental health issues.

Self-Care and Resilience

In addition to seeking professional help, individuals can also take steps to promote their mental health and resilience. Self-care practices such as exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can be effective in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress.

Building a strong social support network is also important. Getting together with family and friends, engaging in social activities and volunteering can decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Looking Ahead

The long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health will likely be in evidence for years to come. It is very important to keep raising awareness of mental health and increasing access to support services. By working together we can support people to heal, recover, and develop a more resilient future.