COVID-19 and mental illness

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected many people’s mental health. It has created additional stress on the public due to uncertainties over how it is spread, risk of hospitalization and death, shortages of resources for testing and treatment, lockdowns, school closures, financial losses, conflicting and changing messages from authorities, social isolation and imposition of public health measures that infringe on personal freedoms.

A Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 53% of adults in the United States reported that COVID had negatively impacted their mental health. Difficulty sleeping was reported by 36%, difficulty eating by 32%. Increased use of alcohol and other substances was reported by 12%. Worsening of preexisting chronic conditions was also reported by 12%.

Persons sheltering in place lead to social isolation and poor mental health. 47% of persons who did this reported worsening mental health due to COVID-related worry and stress. Older individuals and adolescents are especially at risk for these problems due to social isolation.

Job losses have led to higher rates of substance abuse and suicide due to increased anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. While this increase in mental disorders is occurring, the pandemic is also making access to mental health and substance disorder services more difficult.

School closures have affected 30 million students and have led to ongoing disruptions in the daily routines of many families. 67% of parents of school-aged children are worried that their children will fall behind socially, emotionally and academically. Anxiety and/or depression is reported in 12% of school-aged children. Mothers report greater difficulties than male parents with these problems – probably reflecting their greater responsibility for dealing with the disruptions.

Being in quarantine causes stress, depression, irritability, insomnia, fear, confusion, anger, frustration, boredom, and creates a stigma associated with being quarantine. These effects can last beyond the duration of the quarantine

There are a number of actions you can take to reduce the impact of COVID on your mental health. These include eating properly and exercise regularly – this will help you avoid weight gain related to lockdowns. Additional measures include getting plenty of sleep, avoiding the use of alcohol and recreational or illicit drugs and reducing social isolation by regularly communicating with family and friends by phone or video chat.

Perhaps the most important intervention is to draw on your faith. In Isaiah 7:9 we are told, “If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all.” King David reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear (Psalm 46:1-2).

It is important to seek mental health services either in person or via telemedicine. These services are available both through your primary care provider and mental health professionals. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Spiritual health is also critical to maintaining you physical and mental health.