How Has COVID-19 Impacted Mental Health?
COVID-19 wasn’t just a global pandemic, it has also caused one of the largest mental health crises in recent history.
At the start the lack of information about the virus caused increased stress, followed by an uptick in feelings of depression due to the isolation required to help contain the spread of COVID-19. As guidance changed, things reopened, closed, and reopened again, the constant change and feelings of instability caused a lot of stress. Coupling all this with the devastating loss of loved ones and general turmoil, it begins to be easy to understand how the pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways.
With all of these effects, many are wondering how they can begin to heal. If you’re reading this, you have already taken a step in the right direction. The best thing you can do is to empower yourself with information to keep yourself safe and take care of your mental health and recognize the mental health struggles of those around you.
Feeling stressed navigating all of the changes that have happened in your life? Check out our articles on Understanding Curveballs and Navigating Change.
Our New Normal
Unsure about the current state of COVID in your area and what vaccines you need to keep safe? Check out our articles on Understanding Current Covid Guidelines and Vaccine Guidelines
While these are great places to start, it’s also important to remember that one of the biggest stressors of COVID is isolation – so try to surround yourself with community! Even if it isn’t safe to meet up in person, make a phone call to that family member you haven’t talked to in a while, or text your friend just to check in! Try volunteering at a local organization or join a club at your school. Keeping yourself active, engaged, and developing routines is key to maintaining your mental health in these uncertain times.