The Coronavirus has completely taken over, leaving the world
terrified in its wake. Though the virus only caused physical health issues, it
is also causing and exacerbating mental health issues for those who aren’t even
affected by it. This blog post will go over the main ways that the virus is
causing mental health issues in people around the globe.
Increased Health Anxiety
Some people with mental health issues also struggle with
health anxiety. However, even those without mental health issues are dealing
with increased levels of health anxiety. People who generally aren’t that
worried about getting sick are now finding themselves feeling paranoid by the
slightest cough or sore throat. Additionally, health anxiety rises drastically
for those who already have preexisting health conditions that leave them
especially vulnerable to the virus.
Fear for Loved Ones
For some people, their greatest fear is something bad
happening to their loved ones. This virus is posing a serious threat and has
left many of us worried about the safety of our friends and family. Parents are
worried for the safety of their children, and adults are afraid for their
elderly parents.
Decreased Job/Financial Security
Many people are facing unemployment due to many businesses
closing down. Countless employees are being temporarily or permanently laid off
because their company is not seen as “essential.” Because of this, many people
are struggling to keep up with their bills and other financial responsibilities
despite losing their jobs. Furthermore, having a job gives one a sense of duty
and structure. Without a job, many people are feeling lost and meaningless due
to the lack of structure and normalcy in their lives. A job also makes people
feel productive and meaningful in the world – like they are needed, so losing
that can affect how you feel about yourself and your place in the world.
Switching Mindsets from “Living” to “Survival”
The virus has completely changed the climate of day-to-day
life. Without our jobs, people are struggling to find ways to conserve food and
money in order to make it through the quarantine. Going to the store is turning
into a fight for survival as well – many of us are struggling to find the goods
and products we need (like toilet paper). Grocery stores are turning into
battle zones where people race to get their hands on the items they need.
Compassion and solidarity are turning into competitiveness and aggression.
Social Withdrawal and Loneliness
Social distancing is imperative when it comes to stopping
the virus from spreading out of control; however, it is causing people to
withdraw further into their shells. People who suffer from depression already
find it difficult to be social, so social distancing is actually encouraging
this dysfunctional behavior, thus exacerbating their depression. People who
don’t suffer from depression are also suffering from the social withdrawal.
Science has proved time and time again that humans need contact with other humans
in order to grow and thrive in life, so even though social distancing is needed
to stop the virus, it is harming us mentally.
Inability to Distract Oneself from Existing Mental Issues
For many people struggling with a mental illness, one of the
worst things is being stuck with your own thoughts. Nighttime is often a
difficult time for those suffering from a mental illness because they are left
alone in bed and are forced to confront the most difficult thoughts. Daytime
often serves as a form of relief because it allows people to go to work/school,
meet up with friends, and do things to distract themselves from their mental
illness. However, social distancing is forcing people to be at home alone with
their thoughts every single day. It can be difficult to find things to do to
distract yourself.
Ways to Know if Your Mental Health is Declining
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What Can You Do to Support Yourself?
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