The Effect of COVID-19 on Mental Health
The pandemic that started in late 2019 is still plaguing us today, something that we all know too well. We are bombarded daily with news and articles focused on the effect that COVID-19 has on the body: physical symptoms, short-term and long-term effects of the illness, and mortality rates. However, there has been much less focus on its impact on mental health during these trying times. Sadly, this is exactly what many of us need the most. Several studies showed an increase in anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, loneliness, and overall hyperarousal symptoms (difficulty concentrating, irritability, high levels of stress, etc). If you have been experiencing an increase in any of these symptoms, you are not alone!
Interestingly, people during the COVID-19 pandemic without a previous history of mental illness as well as those with a history of mental illness are all being psychologically impacted. One study found that 96.2% of patients who had experienced COVID-19 reported post-traumatic stress symptoms and 29.2% reported higher levels of depression afterward. Post-traumatic stress symptoms can include but are not limited to: heightened anxiety, nightmares, reliving traumatic events, and avoidance of things that are reminiscent of the event.
Some ways individuals may be trying to cope with the pandemic are the increased use of social media, alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use. According to a 2020 study, 59.3% reported increased use of social media and 37.8% reported spending 2 or more hours following COVID-19 related news, daily. This study also concluded that this same population had an increase in their levels of depression and anxiety. So, it could be assumed that in an effort to relieve their psychiatric “COVID” symptoms they are actually making them worse. Something that has been shown to be a helpful way to cope with the increase of mental health symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic is regular exercise. Significantly lower levels of anxiety and depression have been correlated with those exercising 5 or more times per week. The US department of health and human services is recommending 150-300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes a week of high-intensity exercise. While this may sound like a tall order, even starting small with one day and working up from there can have psychological benefits. Habitual exercise during COVID-19 can increase emotional wellbeing, and limit the levels of depression, PTSD and anxiety. Likewise, limiting social media and COVID-19 news exposure may also prove beneficial. Activities such as at-home hobbies, artwork, music, journaling, for most improve overall emotional health. The length and impacts of COVID-19 have been long and arduous for sure. It has impacted our overall sense of control of our lives, by affecting our schedules, bodies, habits, futures, etc. By investing in exercise, self-care, and reinforcing positive habits, the feeling of control and normalcy can be restored to levels that minimize the negative impact on mental health.
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If you have been struggling with any of the symptoms mentioned above and are not already seeing a mental health professional we recommend you contact us at (217) 586-9999 or crossrdscs@gmail.com for help. We can provide you with personalized therapy or other mental health resources.
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For tips on relieving stress during the COVID-19 pandemic click here:
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
How to relieve stress during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Coping With Stress During COVID-19 | Red Cross
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References
Amatriain-Fernández, S., Murillo-Rodríguez, E. S., Gronwald, T., Machado, S., & Budde, H. (2020). Benefits of Physical Activity and Physical Exercise in the Time of Pandemic. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12, S264-S266. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0000643
Burhamah, W., AlKhayyat, A., Oroszlányová, M., AlKenane, A., Almansouri, A., Behbehani, M., Karimi, N., Jafar, H., & AlSuwaidan, M. (2020). The psychological burden of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures: Experience from 4000 participants. Journal of Affective Disorders, 277, 977-985. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.09.014
Holingue, C., Badillo-Goicoechea, E., Riehm, K. E., Veldhuis, C. B., Thrul, J., Johnson, R. M., Fallin, M. D., Kreuter, F., Stuart, E. A., & Kalb, L. G. (2020). Mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic among US adults without a preexisting mental health condition: Findings from American trend panel survey. Preventive Medicine, 139, Article 106231. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106231
Luo, X., Estill, J., Wang, Q., Lv, M., Liu, Y., Liu, E., & Chen, Y. (2020). The psychological impact of quarantine on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Psychiatry Research, 291, Article 113193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113193
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical activity guidelines for Americans (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Vindegaard, N., & Benros, M.E. (2020). COVID-19 pandemic and mental health consequences: Systematic review of the current evidence. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 89, 531-542. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.048
Zschucke, E., Gaudlitz, K., & Ströhle, A. (2013). Exercise and physical activity in mental disorders: Clinical and experimental evidence. Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, 46 (Suppl. 1), S12–S21. http://dx.doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.S.S12