At this point in the Pandemic, I am sure that you already know how the virus affects the health of those that it infects. Loss of smell and taste, flu like symptoms, and fever are all well-known symptoms of COVID-19, but there are quite a few unseen symptoms of this pandemic as well. We have all spent the past year indoors, unable to hug our friends and gather with more than a few other people. The elderly are isolated in Assisted Living facilities or in their own homes, afraid to come in contact with anyone. Children are plagued with anxiety and thrown into new situations for learning.
Adults, teens and children have all started to feel the effects of depression that lead them to dark thoughts and lack of motivation. Thankfully, there are counseling services and methods to combat these mental health issues that can be tailored to you and your loved ones.
One of the biggest issues of this pandemic across the world is the unknown; how the virus will impact them directly, when it will end, fears about their family. Back in March of 2020, the lockdown procedures were expected to end in a few months. Now, almost a year later, there is still very little information on an end date to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. The CDC issued a report that surveyed adults over the age of 18, with 30.9% of them reported feeling depressed and over 40% of them reported mental health issues in general. (CDC Article)
Although the CDC report above only focused on adults over the age of 18, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that people of all ages are suffering from the effects of the pandemic. Children and teens all over the world are having to deal with isolation, changes in their social life, school changes, lack of safe space, and parents who are overwhelmed by the ongoing uncertainty. Multiple studies across the world have noted a sharp decline in mental health amongst children and teens during the pandemic. (Psychiatric Times) Many parents have sought depression treatment and counseling for their children since COVID-19 began.
The first thing to remind yourself when feeling a decline in your mental health is that you are not alone. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms associated with low mood or dark thoughts, seek mental health therapy with professionals in your area immediately. These therapy professionals are trained to offer proper and personal depression treatment, guiding you and your loved ones through the process of improving your mental health.
Although there is still some stigma around mental health therapy, it is imperative that you seek assistance in these matters and work with therapy professionals to improve your mood. There are multiple ways to seek treatment; including talking to your primary care provider or calling a 24-hour helpline. (CDC Treatment Assistance) Check in with those closest to you to make sure they are seeking depression treatment if needed. Remember to take care of not just your physical health, but also your mental health during these unprecedented times.