Increase in Mental Health Issues During COVID-19 Pandemic
Since its discovery in 2019, COVID-19, a novel variant of coronavirus, has swept across the world. It has been responsible for millions of cases worldwide, swaths of deaths and recoveries, and has impacted the world in ways that we have not seen in recent history.
It is no surprise the world is struggling to manage the economic, public health, and societal disruptions presented by COVID-19. As a result, there has been a sizeable increase in the demand for mental health services. But what exactly is causing this uptick in requests for mental health services and support amidst a global pandemic? Our healthcare job placement team is here to share more about how COVID-19 affects mental health.
Does COVID-19 Affect Mental Health?
The coronavirus is pushing individuals toward mental health crises like very few large-scale events ever have. With countries around the world struggling to manage public health crises, an ever-increasing death toll, lost jobs & dwindling economic opportunity, and intensifying levels of fear, it is no surprise COVID-19 is adversely affecting mental health the world over.
At an individual level, everyone responds to stressful situations differently. How someone handles the coronavirus pandemic stems from their financial situation, socialization with friends and family, their community, health background, and more. Primary care physicians, first responders, and mental health experts are all at the highest risk of experiencing psychiatric disorders.
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, individuals have experienced increased traumatic stress due to constant worrying and fear. Strict social distancing guidelines and other public health actions have increased stress levels, heightened anxiety disorders, sparked suicidal thoughts, and more due to people being isolated and lonely.
Depression and anxiety are currently consuming more people than ever before. People with no history of mental disorders are committing suicide. The global pandemic is flooding the world with an emotional weight resulting in a mental health crisis.
People who have experienced trauma are at an increased risk for mental illnesses. Older adults, especially those who live in nursing homes, are increasingly depressed due to isolation and strict visitor restrictions. Young people are also at a higher risk of falling into a depression during this time due to disruptions to their routines. The kids switching to online learning, college graduates struggling to find work, and young adults fearing they will pass the disease to their loved ones all find themselves at the whims of COVID-19. Anyone who is experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic is also faced with the unfortunate circumstance of coronavirus wrought depression.
How To Stay Mentally Healthy During the COVID-19 Crisis
Pandemics can be stressful. A new disease is sure to bring high levels of fear and anxiety and overwhelming uncertainty. That is why it is so important to get immediate help during the COVID-19 crisis. If you are unsure how to stay mentally healthy during the COVID-19 crisis, our dedicated locum tenens agency is here to share a few ways to cope and reduce your stress, anxiety and depression during this time.
1. Limit Your Screen Time
Try to reduce how often you are playing on your phone and browsing on your computer and other devices. Checking the news every few minutes will not help your sanity. You are just seeing the same heartbreaking news over and over; it’s nothing new.
2. Find New Hobbies
One of the best ways to treat your mental state is by engaging in new hobbies. Whether it’s going for a socially distanced walk around your neighborhood, meditating every morning and night, listening to music, painting, gardening, or doing a puzzle, you are focusing your mind on something more productive, which in return, increases your mental health.
3. Check-In with Yourself
When you are having a bad day, write down your thoughts in a journal, or even on your phone. Even on your good day, take a few minutes to reflect on your life. By documenting your thoughts, you can track your progress and remember the good times.
4. Video Chatting
Thanks to the latest technology, you can connect with your loved ones during this trying time. At least once a week, call your family and friends and recognize you aren’t alone through this pandemic. Express yourself on your bad days and celebrate your good days via Zoom, FaceTime, Skype, and more.
5. Seek Help
There is nothing wrong with seeking help. Online support groups and telehealth are readily available to help tackle your demons and cope during the COVID-19 pandemic. You are not alone. If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is struggling with a mental illness, please contact an expert today.
While COVID-19 affects mental health, it is important to remember you are not alone. Stay strong during this trying time. Get help today and do not let your demons control you any longer. Please contact our psychiatry experts today to get help.
In October of 2008, Stuart acquired the assets of Prime Staff—a Houston-based locum tenens company with a successful 12-year track record of placing physicians throughout the southeastern United States. After an overhaul of the business and re-branding to Mint Physician Staffing, the company has since quadrupled in size in terms of both employee count and revenue. As President, Stuart manages the company on a daily basis. He is purely a private individual investor and is not affiliated with any other company or private equity investor.
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