by Gabriella Kiernan
The COVID-19 pandemic is not only a viral one, but it is a mental one as well. The added stress caused by remote work, online school, financial issues, familial issues, and many other problems that are new to all of us. While people cope with stress differently, the sudden changes going on in everyone’s lives are likely to affect people both physically and mentally, and this can hurt us in the long-term.
General Causes
One of the most prominent reasons for the influx of people suffering from stress and depression is the lack of social interaction and time spent outdoors. While it is important to social distance, social interaction is necessary for keeping a good mental state, and so is fresh air and sunlight. Without these things, life for many of us has become boring and lonely. Not to mention, being stuck in the house with our families has begun to drive all of us crazy. Another big component of this pandemic is the constant feeling of grief and worrying about high-risk loved ones. The problem is that with hospitals overflowing and doctors being overworked, it is very difficult for physically and mentally ill people to reach out for help. According to the World Health Organization, access to mental health services has been slowed down or stopped completely in 93 percent of countries.
School & Working From Home
The pandemic has turned the lives of students and workers upside down, with classes and careers intended to be done in person now being forced to go virtual. Many people are also losing their jobs, with the unemployment rates rising 11.2% from February to April. At least some of these workers are going to struggle mentally, as those who recently lost their jobs are 53% more likely to experience symptoms of mental illness and suicidal thoughts. Teachers are struggling to teach online, and students are having a hard time learning and adapting to this new way of school. Kids who were once straight-A students are now struggling to finish one assignment. After all, spending all day indoors looking at screens hinders concentration, leaving kids feeling lazy, tired and groggy. Teachers and students alike are struggling with not being able to get the hands-on experience they would normally have in a classroom. Children who used school to escape toxic households and see their friends no longer have that outlet, and parents have to find someone to watch their kids during the time they’d normally be at school. The hours people now have to spend staring at their computer screens can lead to a hard time falling asleep due to the blue light, especially if it is being used right before bed. These are just a few examples of problems in schools and the workforce that are increasing stress and depression levels.
The Effects & Coping With Stress
Some people think mental illness is just being sad for a period of time, but it can have long-term effects even if it is treated and managed. People with mental illness are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease, HIV, and other physical health conditions later in life. Suicide is also the tenth leading cause of death in the United States. Depression, anxiety, sleep deprivation, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts have been on the rise since the pandemic began, and many reasons for this are out of our control. That said, one thing that can be changed is the way we deal with this new stress. According to the CDC, some healthy ways to cope with stress are:
- Take breaks from the news & social media when you can
- Mediation
- Eat healthy meals and eat regularly
- Get a sufficient amount of sleep
- Avoid drug use
- Keep in touch with your friends and family. While it may be hard to see them in person try to text or talk on the phone frequently.
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