Historically, the struggles faced by many people with mental health disorders have been viewed negatively. They were something to be hidden or ignored. Now more than ever, the general population is beginning to recognize that mental health is not a “you problem,'' but an “us discussion.” As a result of COVID-19, the world is finding it more and more difficult to ignore or brush off the topic of mental health. If anything, the notion that “it’s all in your head” has been completely thrown out the window. As we have experienced on a collective, worldwide level, our environment, communities, and experiences have a direct impact on our mental health. What was once spoken about in hushed, shameful tones is now in the spotlight, performing on center stage.
Research Findings and Contributing Factors
While research surrounding the impacts of COVID-19 will be developing for years to come, here’s what we know now. A recent article from the World Health Organization reported that anxiety and depression rates skyrocketed by a sizable 25% and 27% respectively during the first year of the pandemic. This article is reporting findings from a scientific brief shared by the World Health Organization. Here are some of the key findings that you can find on page 3 of this brief: 1. Mental health problems in the general population increased in the first year of the pandemic. 2. Populations that were most affected by this increase are found to be of younger age, female gender, or those with pre-existing health conditions.
Mental Health Services
There has been a significant increase in people seeking mental health services over the last few years. While this may partially be due to the progress that we are making regarding the de-stigmatization of mental health, we can also attribute this increase to the effects of a global pandemic. Not only has the pandemic led to an increase in seeking services, but it has also changed the way in which we offer mental health services. Telehealth services are on the rise, making mental health professionals more accessible to populations who have access to private spaces, internet connectivity, and the means to engage in telehealth counseling services. Online counseling appointments are a great fit for certain populations, but while they are accessible to some, they are inaccessible to others. There is a significant need to make mental health services accessible to all, but health concerns and safety measures have made it difficult for anyone who requires in-person sessions.
If anything, the pandemic has highlighted just how difficult it can be to seek supportive services. While we have made some strides in the right direction, much more research is needed to determine how we are being impacted by the pandemic. Additionally, more funding and resources are needed within the field of mental health to provide safe and accessible options for people to engage in counseling. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and the world is now able to see that anyone and everyone can be affected by mental health difficulties.
Implications for the Population
We often see the onset of diagnostic mental health difficulties between the ages of 18 to 24. How has this changed with an ongoing pandemic? According to the research, younger people are among the populations who have been heavily impacted by the pandemic. Another key finding found on page 4 of the scientific brief from the World Health Organization is that research findings are pointing to a higher risk of suicidal behaviors in young people. Could it be possible that the onset of mental health difficulties has shifted to an earlier age? It is likely that the consistent and ongoing disruptions in key developmental life events for younger generations have made them more susceptible to mental health disorders. This highlights the need to normalize counseling and the utilization of mental health resources from a younger age.
Reactions to the pandemic have widely varied across the globe. While some may be thrilled to stay at home more often, others likely feel trapped. With no prior experiences related to living through a pandemic, many people are struggling to gauge what the “right way” to react is. While there is no one-size-fits-all way to react, we can work on understanding our own reactions and listening to our minds and bodies.
Here is some journal prompts that you can use to better understand how you are coping with world events:
1. What adjectives would I use to describe the state of the world?
2. How would I use any of those words to describe aspects of my life?
3. Identify any common themes or feelings that I am experiencing
4. What do I need more of in my life?
5. How can I implement safe, healing practices to meet those needs?
Moving Forward
It can be easy to get swept up in the world’s events, but sometimes we deserve a break from all of the negativity. Being burdened day after day with distressing events can be traumatizing in itself. There are ways to remain informed and safe while also caring for your own needs and emotions. In a time where we aren’t able to predict what happens next, we can focus on our own coping skills and work toward a better understanding of how we can best support ourselves and our loved ones.
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This post was written by Shannon France, MS, MHC-LP, and published by Mandevilla Mental Health Counseling, PLLC