In modern history, our mental health has always been fragile and vulnerable to negative impacts from the many stressful aspects of our lives. Fortunately, many have found ways to relieve and reorient our mental state in times of crisis. After burning out at work, a short holiday, out of the country could be the break that we needed, with a new environment and none of the stressful triggers of our “normal life”. Or, if we are feeling stressed about specific looming responsibilities, a day out with some friends can help us remember what is important to us. When feeling lonely, meeting up with our friends and family would often provide us with the support we needed. However, since the beginning of 2020, these essential activities were no longer options, in many parts of the world, removing the support mechanisms, and causing many to reach an all-time low in terms of their mental health.
The Downward Spiral
Since the beginning of this pandemic, the negative effects on people have become more and more evident. A report by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) showed that among the adults surveyed in late June, 2020, 40% of them reported experiencing at least one of the following: anxiety, depression, substance use and suicide ideation.
As people were hit with waves of problems and struggled to deal with them, many sought professional help. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a grassroots mental health organization, reported a 65% increase in helpline calls between March and April 2020. Unsurprisingly, the demand for therapy sessions has also spiked. The American Psychological Association (APA) reported that in a 2020 survey conducted last fall, psychologists nationwide are seeing more patients and experiencing less cancellations, with 74% of them treating more patients for anxiety disorder compared to prior to the pandemic.
A Personal Battle
The industry has been overloaded, with an immense amount of people seeking professional help. Faced with a declining state of mental health and being unable to receive help they require, people have begun to seek ways to manage their mental health on their own. In some ways this is an unhelpful coping mechanism (think of alcohol and other substances), but in other ways, there has been a hugely beneficial increase in awareness of wholly positive coping mechanisms and strategies. Many people, while in lock down, began to exercise, to meditate, to journal frequently, and to discuss their (previously taboo) mental health issues. The importance of health and wellness in these troubling times has allowed the wellness industry to flourish. For the welfare of their employees, companies have turned to mindfulness-based stress reduction training in order to help their employees learn how to manage stress on their own. Programs like this have proven to be a very effective way to foster mental wellbeing in the workplace and beyond.
Relaxing exercises have also increased in popularity, in particular, yoga and meditation. The popularity of yoga in the United States is exploding. Yoga is both a physical and mental activity and has been found to reduce stress, anxiety and even self-reported pain levels. Not only does it allow people to remain fit (as a form of exercise), it can also calm their mind and lift their spirits, helping them to battle the uncertainty and anxiety of the pandemic. Global Newswire stated that the demand for yoga equipment, such as yoga apparel and mats, has grown by 154% during the pandemic. Yoga has become a valuable activity for the mental health of many in these stressful times.
For similar reasons, meditation has also seen a spike in popularity during the pandemic. Meditation uses mindfulness practice, which allows people to focus their thoughts on the moment, or on particular things (such as the rhythm of their own breathing), to achieve a calm and stable mental state. As many are stuck at home during the pandemic, they may be left alone with overwhelming thoughts of anxiety and uncertainty. Meditation or other mindfulness practices may help them cope with these thoughts and stabilize their mental state. Several popular mobile applications are now available, which allow people to practice mindfulness at home, in aid of helping with sleep and relaxation. Data from Sensor Tower found that across five regions worldwide, the highest grossing application in April 2020 was the app Calm, reflecting the high demand for mindfulness practice. In these troubling times, such applications are a great source of support for the deteriorating mental health of many.
Being Aware of Our Mental Health
While mental health has increasingly been an issue of concern in the recent decade, the pandemic situation has served to cause and exacerbate mental issues. Being aware of the types of mental issues that might appear, and their symptoms is useful to ensure the mental well-being of friends and family.
The poor economy has been one of the biggest factors affecting our mental health. In the first few months of the pandemic, about 22 million workers in the United States lost their jobs. The loss of employment is generally associated with increased depression and anxiety. A survey by the Pew Research Center found that 1 in 4 adults have had trouble paying their bills since the pandemic started. Symptoms of depression may include unusual and persisting sadness and irritability, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, and other related symptoms. This may be a greater cause of concern when an individual is living alone, as depression may lead to higher rates of suicide. The struggle of finding a new job may also result in distress, anxiety, and lower self-esteem. Symptoms of anxiety include panic attacks, having a sense of apprehension or dread, and more.
With school closures and lack of childcare available, parents have struggled with simultaneously working from home and looking after their children. Working from home may cause burnout, as workers may be compelled to work longer hours and be more productive, with no physical escape from the work environment readily available. As women have been traditionally seen as homemakers and to be bearing a larger burden of the family responsibilities, they may be even more stressed with child-rearing and housework. Research shows that 49% of women with children report experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression during the pandemic, compared to 40% of men with children.
As the situation continues, it is difficult to say when we will be free from the grasp of the pandemic. However, it is important to note the symptoms of common mental health concerns that arise during the pandemic and seek professional help if needed. If professional help is unavailable, mindfulness practices and courses are also a useful outlet for us to calm and stabilize our minds and brace ourselves for the daily stressors that we face.