The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by storm and has led to numerous complications. It has shuttered numerous businesses, crashed the stock market, and put millions of people out of work. One of the most often overlooked aspects is how it has impacted mental health. There is already a crisis of mental health in this country and the problems with the pandemic are only making them worse. In many ways, this is an invisible fight; however, it is important to read more to learn more about the relationship between mental health and the pandemic, which is going to be with us until we have a vaccine.
The Causes of the Mental Health Crisis Related to COVID-19
There are numerous reasons why the problems with mental health are getting worse as the pandemic continues to rage on. One of the biggest problems is related to the anxiety that has been created by the fear of the unknown. Many people are unsure as to whether they or their loved ones are going to come down with the virus. The reality of not knowing is one of the biggest reasons why there are so many why people are struggling with their mental health during this time.
Another major reason why mental health issues are becoming more common is that so many people are losing their jobs. There are tens of millions of people who have lost their jobs during the pandemic. These are levels that have not been seen since the Great Depression, which was shortly before World War II. With many people losing their jobs, they are worried they are not going to be able to put food on the table. As a result, mental health is becoming a bigger issue.
Finally, financial issues are directly related to the unemployment numbers; however, there is another issue as well. The stock market has taken an ugly downturn following the pandemic, losing almost 20 percent of its value. With many people having their retirement assets invested in the stock market, this is only worsening the financial concerns that many people have. This is another contributing factor to the mental health crisis.
What Can People Do?
Now that the reasons for the mental health crisis have become clear, it is time to think about what people can do about it. While many people might not want to physically travel to a doctor’s office right now given the social distancing measures, it is also possible to see a mental health professional virtually. Telehealth has grown by leaps and bounds, giving rise to new mental health resources that previously were not available. Therefore, those who have concerns about their mental health should consider using telehealth.
There Is a Vaccine in the Future
Finally, it is important for people to know that there is a vaccine in the future that will help us fight the pandemic. In the meantime, there are resources available for those who would like to talk about their mental health with a trained professional.
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