Why the Coronavirus is Triggering Mental Health Issues

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

·      Fear and worry about the health of yourself and your loved ones

·      Excessive feelings of hopelessness and despair

·      Ruminating about the virus constantly throughout the day

·      Changes in sleep or eating patterns

·      Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

·      Worsening chronic health problems

·      Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs

 

What Can You Do to Support Yourself?

·      Once you’re done reading the latest news and updates about the virus, avoid watching tv, listening to the radio, or going on social media. The constant talk about the virus can be upsetting and worsen stress and anxiety.

·      Continue taking care of your body. Eat regularly, drink water, and exercise daily.

·      Maintain your sleep schedule by setting an alarm in the morning and going to bed at the same time every night.

·      Find productive ways to distract yourself. Complete some chores, partake in your favorite hobby, try learning something new on YouTube, meditate, etc.

·      Connect with friends and family. Just because you have to do social distancing doesn’t mean you have to stop talking to people. Set up phone calls or video chats to keep a support circle around you during these stressful times.



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