People’s mental health has significantly been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic all over the world. Many people’s psychological health has suffered as a result of social isolation, economic hardship, and infection fear. It is worrying that this impact could have long-term effects.
The two most prevalent mental health conditions that people have encountered during the pandemic are anxiety disorders and depression. According to research, since the pandemic started, anxiety and depression have become much more common. According to a study done in China, the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in the general population during the pandemic was 16 percent and 28 percent, respectively, which was significantly higher than the rates before the pandemic. Anxiety and depression rates during the pandemic were also found to have increased according to studies carried out in other nations.
Another potential long-term psychological impact of the pandemic is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A traumatic event can cause PTSD, a mental health condition, in both the experiencer and bystander. Healthcare professionals who have been on the front lines of the pandemic are more likely to experience PTSD. According to a Chinese study, during the pandemic4 there were 22.8% of healthcare workers who had PTSD.
Another typical mental health problem during the pandemic is sleep disturbances. Many people have sleep issues as a result of the pandemic, daily routine disruption, increased screen time, and stress and anxiety related to it. Up to 50% of people during the pandemic reported having sleep disturbances, according to research.
Another potential long-term mental health impact of the pandemic is substance abuse. An increased risk of substance abuse may be caused by the pandemic’s stress and anxiety as well as social isolation and financial hardship.
Health care professionals, older people, those with pre-existing mental health conditions, and COVID-19 infected individuals may be more susceptible to the pandemic’s long-term effects on mental health. The pandemic’s long-term effects on mental health serve as a reminder of how crucial it is to offer assistance and resources to those who have been affected by it.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on mental health across the globe, with potential long-term repercussions like anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse. To lessen the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health, it is crucial to acknowledge the need for and provide support for these issues.
