The COVID-19 pandemic has affected practically every area of our lives, including our mental health. For the last two years, the entire world has been dealing with a crisis that no one felt truly prepared for, and these experiences have taken a toll on many people’s well-being. While some people have been able to carry on without feeling major emotional repercussions from the pandemic, others have faced a bigger struggle.
One survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) revealed that 40 percent of adults in the U.S. reported symptoms of anxiety or depression during the pandemic, which is a significant increase from 10 percent increase in 2019. According to KFF, some of the most common symptoms included trouble sleeping, trouble eating, and increase in alcohol use (1). A CDC study from 2020 shows a similar result with just over 40 percent of participants reporting at least one mental or behavioral health disorder (2). Mental Health America also reports that the number of people who took a mental health screen on their website doubled from 2019 to 2020 (3).
The following are just a few of the reasons the pandemic has had such a dramatic effect on mental health:
- Anxiety about the future of the pandemic
- Fear for the health of oneself and loved ones
- Grief from the loss of loved ones
- Job loss and economic uncertainty
- Isolation and loneliness due to social distancing
If you’ve been struggling with your mental health throughout the pandemic, you’re not alone. The first step toward improving your mental health is recognizing that something is wrong. When you become so accustomed to feeling or thinking a certain way, you may forget that you used to be more positive and energetic. Here are eight signs that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your mental health:
1. Constant Stress, Worry, or Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most commonly reported mental health impacts of the pandemic. You might be intensely worried about your health, your family, your employment, or other important matters. There has been so much uncertainty throughout the pandemic, and not knowing what to expect in the coming weeks or months can be highly stressful.
Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to a number of physical and mental symptoms. Here are some of the most common signs of pandemic-related stress according to the CDC (4):
- Racing thoughts; constant worry or fear
- Difficulty making decisions
- Changes in appetite or energy levels
- Headaches, rashes, or stomach pain
- Worsening of other chronic health problems
2. Feelings of Hopelessness
Profound feelings of sadness or hopelessness are common when you’re facing depression. You may have developed symptoms of depression over the course of the pandemic, or you may have seen your existing symptoms get worse. If the onset of the pandemic brought about drastic changes to your daily routine, you may struggle with a low mood as you try to adjust.
3. Loss of Interest in Hobbies
Depression often causes a lack of motivation or a loss of interest in your preferred activities. While some people had to stop participating in their hobbies for social distancing purposes, others stopped engaging with the activities they loved because they didn’t feel up for it. If you’re no longer interested in the things that once brought you joy, you might be dealing with a mental health issue.
4. Social Isolation
For some, social isolation was inevitable during the pandemic. If you live alone or worked from home during the height of COVID-19, you may have felt incredibly lonely and isolated. However, continuing to isolate yourself due to low mood, loss of energy, or constant anxiety is a sign that the pandemic has affected your mental health.
You may feel safe to congregate with other people now, but reaching out to connect with friends or family may seem too difficult. Depression can make even small social outings feel impossible, but loneliness will only worsen your mental health symptoms.
5. Difficulty Concentrating
Difficulty concentrating is a symptom of many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. This may have been an especially common issue during the beginning of the pandemic because the situation was so new and overwhelming. When you’re constantly reading news updates or wondering what will happen next, it can be difficult to focus on one topic. You may find your mind wandering at work or at social gatherings, and you might notice that you’re having a hard time following through with tasks.
6. Changes in Eating, Sleeping, or Other Daily Habits
Some changes to your daily routine are expected as a result of the pandemic. For example, your morning routine might have changed if you started working from home, or your usual weekend plans may have changed when shops or restaurants were closed. However, certain components of a healthy lifestyle, such as eating and sleeping enough, should be a part of your routine regardless of the pandemic.
A 2021 report from the American Psychological Association explains that the majority of Americans are now reporting that they sleep too much or too little. There are a number of possible explanations for this, including an increase in screen time, a loss of boundaries between your work and personal life, and elevated stress levels. Maintaining a good sleeping schedule is essential for your mental health and quality of life, so sleeping problems are both a cause and a symptom of a mental health problem (5).
7. Substance Abuse
Drug and alcohol abuse has been on the rise since the beginning of the pandemic. Some may have turned to substances to try to enjoy their free time while quarantined at home, but substance use can get out of control very quickly. Others may have used drugs or alcohol to try to cope with their anxiety or depression. If you’ve been isolated from your family and friends, it may have been particularly easy for a substance use habit to develop.
8. Inability to Disconnect
In some ways, the internet has been extremely helpful throughout the pandemic. It allows you to view the latest updates, and it can provide a meaningful way for you to stay connected to your friends and family. The constant stream of information can be damaging for your mental health, though, especially if you seek out negative news or upsetting social media posts.
You might feel addicted to scrolling on your phone and absorbing an excessive amount of information even when this behavior makes you feel hopeless or anxious. An inability to distance yourself from technology or the internet is a sign that you may not be in a healthy frame of mind. Moderation is key when it comes to news and social media, but it’s difficult to find a balance when your brain can’t disconnect.
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a widespread mental health crisis, but support is available. Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are treatable, and many people successfully overcome their symptoms and go on to live happy, healthy lives. By recognizing the mental health warning signs in yourself and reaching out for help, you can begin the healing process after the stress and trauma of the pandemic.
Sources:
1. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
2. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm
3. https://mhanational.org/pandemic-mental-health-and-physical-symptoms
4. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/index.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https
5. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2021/06/news-concerns-sleep