Coronavirus Pandemic Takes a Toll on Mental Health

Posted byberrlt17Posted inUncategorized

While the coronavirus attacks one’s upper respiratory system, the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic are just as violently attacking some people’s mental health.

This virus thrives when the infected person comes into contact with other people. This means defense against it is social. But isolation’s consequences could have lasting effects on people struggling with their own mental health. 

The WHO estimates that a fourth of adults worldwide suffer from a mental health condition. And a study by Qualtricssurveying people on their mental health since the pandemic started found 42 percent of people say their overall mental health has declined. These changing statistics raise concerns on how this virus will affect people long-term. 

Americans in at least 42 states have stay-at-home orders that restrict them from leaving home besides running essential errands. So, now more than ever, people are cooped up at home with limited social activity. 

Even when running essential errands, the CDC has recommended people stay socially distanced by six feet. The virus’ R0 , or level of contagion, is 2-2.5. Therefore, for every person with the virus, they could spread it to two or maybe three healthy people if not properly social distanced. 

“This level of transmission spread and pathogenesis is more than any of us could have expected,” says Dr. Sarah McDonald, a virologist and associate professor of Biology at Wake Forest University. 

Because of the novelty of this virus, nobody has natural immunity to it. Therefore, no one is immune to the threat coronavirus could have on mental health. 

“In a few weeks’ time, everyone’s lives were upended, and that’s bound to bring up a lot of feelings,” says Dr. Nikki Elston, an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University. 

The unexpectedness of this pandemic has raised a level of uncertainty for the future. College students have been forced to finish school online at home. Employers have cut hours for some employees and laid off others. Family members have gotten sick. 

“The unexpectedness of having to leave my university early was particularly anxiety-inducing for me,” says Sarah Schubert, a junior at Denison University. “I tend to worry about the future a lot, so it drives me crazy when I can’t even plan for it.”

Schubert is not the only one struggling with anxiety during these times. In fact, prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications increased 34 percent between mid-February to mid-March. 

With increased anxiety, alcohol sales have also sky-rocketed 55 percent compared to this time last year. People cope differently when feeling alone or worried, and one coping mechanism is alcohol. 

Liquor stores are deemed essential businesses because people can die from alcohol withdrawal if their central nervous system shuts down. And with more people using alcohol to cope, people who have recovered from alcoholism could relapse.

“I was talking to my friend who counsels individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders, and he said the majority of his clients have relapsed,” says Dr. Elston. “If people are feeling more isolated and worried, they may return to their addiction as a coping mechanism.”

Many counseling services have moved online to provide telemental health counseling. But Dr. Elston admits it is different. Many benefit from group sessions. The connectedness of sitting in a circle with people who share similar stories helps many individuals, but this is lost through online sessions. 

Ken Berryman of Louisville, Ky. is not only frustrated with how quarantine is affecting himself, but he is also concerned about his friend who has a history with alcoholism. 

“I’ve spoken with him on the phone several times, and he seems to be holding up well,” says Berryman. “But these situations are volatile and can change quickly.”

While it is difficult to understand right now the effects coronavirus may have on mental health in the long-term, experts say it will depend on the person.

“While we may not know this for some time, it’s possible this virus may push people who are thinking of suicide to act on their plans,” says Dr. Elston, “especially if they are feeling isolated and helpless.” 

However, she also says it could benefit people who find large crowds anxiety-inducing and find comfort in isolation. 

Typically in times of despair, people come together to help those in need. And while this is not possible because of stay-at-home and social distancing orders, Dr. Steve Burton, a psychiatrist at the Louisville Veterans Affairs Hospital, encourages people to do acts of kindness. By helping others, one can boost their own happiness. 

“Try to be optimistic, but don’t deny the risk,” says Dr. Burton. “It’s also very important to get outdoors and open up shades in the house. We need sunlight. It helps prevent depression. And, instead of focusing on what you cannot control, try to recognize things you can control.”


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