How the COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Anxiety & Depression
There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health. We are all more isolated and disconnected from other people. Also, there is always the concern of getting sick.
However, what is the impact specifically on anxiety and depression?
According to research, more people are experiencing anxiety and depression because of the pandemic. In one study, out of a pool of 5,000+ adults, 30% reported experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms due to the pandemic.
To address this issue, it helps to know how the pandemic affects these disorders. That way, it’s easier to understand the signs and to get help.
Disconnected from Others
We have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic that people need authentic, in-person interactions with others. Although tools such as video chats, text messaging, and even phone calls have helped people stay in contact with one another, it’s not enough.
There’s nothing that can replace giving or receiving a hug, or even talking to someone in the same room. For those with anxiety, this means not having the same support systems that they typically would have. That could be spending time with a friend or participating in a support group.
With depression, the pandemic has caused a severe sense of disconnect and isolation. That leads people to believe that they are alone, and nobody understands them at all.
The Fear of Contracting COVID-19
You don’t need to have an anxiety-related diagnosis to be afraid of getting COVID-19. The symptoms have been well-documented, and sometimes there are lingering effects once the disease has passed. Naturally, there is also the risk of dying from this disease.
Add in anxiety, and you have a toxic combination — your fear of getting sick increases dramatically. Going outside of your home becomes fraught with the thought that you could get sick. Maybe because of that fear, you haven’t left home for months. That’s the hallmark of anxiety-fear.
Watching How Society Responds
Perhaps the most challenging part about the COVID-19 pandemic isn’t just the disease itself. It’s also watching how society and the government respond to the crisis. And there’s plenty on that front to amplify your anxiety or depression.
Inconsistent and confusing messaging triggers worry and dread that nobody seems to know what’s going on. Also, there are groups of people who push back against even necessary precautions. All of this compounds your depression.
It’s more than feeling sad. It feels that you are powerless to make any significant change. Instead, you are forced to sit and watch as greater events unfold.
The Future and Hope
A telltale part of depression is that you often feel hopeless. This feeling is what makes depression different than say, sadness, or worry. When you face hopelessness for the future, you might start to give up. That’s why people retreat inward and seem to shut down.
Right now, it seems like there is a lot of hopelessness out there — and unanswered questions. When will there be a vaccine? Is it possible that life will return to what it was before all this started?
These and other questions can leave people with a sense of hopelessness. That, in turn, trigger depression as well as anxiety.
Seek Support
If you are struggling with anxiety or depression due to COVID-19, please get help. Counseling is an effective way of treating anxiety and depression.
It’s a support system that we all need more of as we face a crisis unheard of in modern times. However, if you feel that your immediate safety is at risk, call for help now at 1-800-273-8255 to talk to someone at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also chat with them online.
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For more support dealing with depression or anxiety through psychotherapy, please reach out to me today.