COVID-19 Mental Health Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented and challenging times that disrupted daily life around the world. One of the largest repercussions of the pandemic is the toll it has taken on mental health. The International Committee of the Red Cross reported that 51% of participants, in a seven-country survey, stated that COVID-19 has negatively affected their mental health.
Who can get the COVID-19 mental health symptoms?
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the prevalence of anxiety and depression has increased by 25%. About 4 in 10 (41%) adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder in 2021, a drastic increase from 1 in 10 adults in January of 2019. COVID-19 has impacted communities of color. 48% of Non-Hispanic Black adults and 46% of Hispanic Latino adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression due to the pandemic as opposed to 41% of White adults.
What are the common presentations and symptoms?
The pandemic brought a heightened feeling of fear, anxiety and uncertainty that has heavily impacted the mental health of most people. One in 10 adults reported experiencing symptoms of depression which included difficulty sleeping, difficulty eating, increase in alcohol or substance use and worsening chronic conditions due to the worry or stress caused by COVID-19. Other symptoms included low levels of energy and motivation; especially in those impacted directly by the virus who were left to carry on with grief, loss, loneliness, isolation, fear, fatigue, amongst other symptoms and barriers.
Is this the same as clinical depression and/or anxiety?
Although the symptoms can be similar, the condition can carry a different prognosis in some people as each case is unique. With early intervention, this mental health pandemic can be addressed so it does not develop into a clinical case of depression and/or anxiety. It is important to contact a mental health provider if you would like to be assessed for any COVID-19 mental health condition. There’s viable treatment that can include psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Does it affect children and adolescents?
COVID-19 caused schools to close at a rapid pace, almost overnight, and introduced online or remote learning, putting a halt in structured learning and disruption of known routines. This caused many young children and adolescents to experience grief, stress, anxiety, social isolation, loneliness, and disconnection from their peers. If you notice that your children or teens are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, it is important to have them assessed by a mental health clinician.
Listen to Dr. Manuel Fernandez speak on the impacts that COVID-19 has left on mental health (en español).
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La Concordia Wellness Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax ID# 88-3030525. No goods or services are provided in exchange for these contributions, and all donations made to La Concordia Wellness Center are tax deductible.
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