COVID-19: Unmasking its Collective Impact on Our Mental Health
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the collective mental health of society has been severely impacted (Pfefferbaum & North, 2020). With widespread feelings of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation, the psychological implications of the pandemic are profound and extensive.
The pandemic has disrupted every aspect of our lives, enforcing sudden shifts in our daily routines. Individuals have had to adapt to the changing nature of their work environment or manage the loss of employment, leading to increased levels of stress and anxiety (Banks & Xu, 2020). Moreover, the constant flood of information and misinformation about the pandemic has only heightened these feelings of fear and uncertainty.
Another key factor impacting our mental health is the prolonged periods of isolation and social distancing measures. Humans are inherently social beings, and the sudden reduction in social interactions has led to increased feelings of loneliness and distress, triggering symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders (Palgi et al., 2020).
Moreover, the collective grief experienced by society due to the immense loss of lives is an undeniable burden. The reality of losing loved ones, coupled with the inability to mourn or find closure in traditional ways, has further amplified feelings of helplessness, sadness, and despair.
Research has also highlighted a concerning rise in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the pandemic. Frontline healthcare workers, in particular, are facing significant mental health challenges due to the relentless stress and exposure to suffering and death (Greenberg et al., 2020).
However, we can, and must, find ways to mitigate these mental health implications. Here is a call to action for each one of us:
· Prioritize self-care: Ensure you're taking time to rest, eat healthily, and engage in activities you enjoy.
· Stay connected: Despite physical distancing guidelines, make an effort to stay connected with friends and family through calls, messages, or virtual meetups.
· Limit news consumption: Avoiding constant exposure to distressing news can help in maintaining a healthier mindset.
Seek professional help: If feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma persist, consult a mental health professional. Remember, it's okay to seek help.
As a society, we must emphasize the importance of mental health just as much as physical health, fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and support. Let us stand together in acknowledging the mental health implications of this pandemic, and collectively strive towards a mentally healthier world.
References
Pfefferbaum, B., & North, C. S. (2020). Mental Health and the Covid-19 Pandemic. The New England Journal of Medicine, 383(6), 510-512.
Banks, J., & Xu, X. (2020). The mental health effects of the first two months of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Fiscal Studies, 41(3), 685-708.
Palgi, Y., Shrira, A., Ring, L., Bodner, E., Avidor, S., Bergman, Y., ... & Hoffman, Y. (2020). The loneliness pandemic: Loneliness and other concomitants of depression, anxiety and their comorbidity during the COVID-19 outbreak. Journal of Affective Disorders, 275, 109-111.
Greenberg, N., Docherty, M., Gnanapragasam, S., & Wessely, S. (2020). Managing mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers during covid-19 pandemic. BMJ, 368.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Michelle R. Chasen, MA, LCMHCA, NCC is a licensed clinical psychotherapist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina who specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and loss, relational issues and the deep-seated pain of attachment wounds.
