The mental effects of Covod-19 are more severe than portrayed by government administration and health organizations. As humans, we tend to receive visual information quicker. However, the impact of Covid-19 on mental health might not be as visible and hence not as openly discussed as the physical effects of the pandemic. No clear analysis or review has been provided by anyone in terms of Covid-19 and the subsequent mental health issues. This is the entire point of concern in this article. Even the affected people who are suffering from Covid-19 are reluctant and not in the condition to openly talk about the mental strain they are going through. This factor leads us to the question of what exactly is going on right now.
People are Trauma-Bonded
People who have recovered from Covid-19 are still shaken and trauma-bond about what might happen if they contract the illness again. They even get nightmares of their previous condition leading to PTSD. These thoughts are very damaging to one’s mental health as these produce stress hormones that can turn into terminal mental illness. At least 20% of the recovered Covid-19 patients have serious mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and even dementia. Society also contributes greatly to the mass-hysteria of stress and fear. Realizing the severe impacts of the pandemic on mental health, the Finger Lakes Community Health received $2.8 million in funds. These funds were raised to ensure that people could access better health services, especially their mental health.
The pandemic has also bred other underlying issues that have contributed to the decline of mental health in general. The financial crisis goes hand-in-hand with the pandemic. Loads of people have lost their jobs, businesses and spent most of their savings in the face of the pandemic. This is specifically true for people who had started their business shortly before the pandemic hit the globe. The piling debts have led to critical financial situations in the lives of the affected individuals. Despite that much has been done to keep everyone calm, it still has taken a serious toll on mental health. Since early January this year, numerous reports have been published, where a sudden increase in domestic violence has established the seriousness of the impact of the lockdown period on people’s mental health.
Children & Youth
Our youth aren’t having it more comfortable than the adults of our society. We all know how important it is for children and teenagers to interact and socialize with the world for their positive development. However, everyone has been locked up within their four walls. These precautions are just and understandable on the one side. However, on the other side, these are causing a steady increase of mental unrest and irritability among teenagers and kids. Most of their time is being spent on their laptops and cell phones. The school has been shifted where the long hours of looking at the computer screen have an equally adverse impact on their mental focus and logical thought process. Such are the factors that are impacting the psychological growth of the young and the adults. This is why many organizations have joined hands to promote mental health awareness by providing online counseling sessions. For instance, many affordable therapists in New York can be contacted 24/7 from the comfort of your home.
What can be done on the national level?
The need of the hour is for the local government authorities to join hands with national mental health organizations to curb the decline in mental health. All people should have instant access to affordable mental health counseling options without the fear of getting declined. With Christmas just around the corner, a majority of the people will be spending their Christmas alone. Loneliness and social alienation can lead to the severity of anxiety and depression. More needs to be done to address this issue on a comfortable level so that people become more aware of its seriousness. It is time to join hands and understand the importance of empathy with others. This is the only way we will feel safer and more connected. Communication is the first step to establishing the bridge to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to reach out and get the help they deserve.
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