Briana Elome
Writing for the Sciences
Professor Brian Brennan
Corona Assignment
COVID-19 and its Impact on Mental Health
The breakout of COVID-19 has had a great effect on several aspects of life such as health, being indoors, work, etc. One important part that many people are being affected by due to this crisis is their mental health. This pandemic has interrupted most lives of people and for many, it has been for the worse. Having to stay inside their homes, not getting in person social interaction, losing jobs and being in fear of the future are some ways that are causing people to have difficulties in this time. Due to these causes, the mental health of many will be highly affected in this global pandemic.
There has been an overload of reports and information released by the news and social media. The article “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Mental Health” states that “any news, verified or not, via social media and television adds to the panic and fears of the public” (Imran Ijaz Haider). Seeing concerning news excessively has a large impact on the mental health. Also, some of the information has been false or delivered out of proportion, causing issues. The article “Mental health problems and social media exposure during COVID-19 Outbreak”, states “During COVID-19 outbreak, disinformation and false reports about the COVID-19 have bombarded social media and stoked unfounded fears among many netizens, which may confuse people and harm people’s mental health” (Junling Gao). The confusion from the media is rising up fear in people and affecting their mental health.
Due to the necessity of social distancing, people are very limited to who they interact that resides outside of their home. This impacts the mental health because they are isolated from most that they are usual close to. The article says, “Social connection is vital to well-being in humans, and whilst internet-based media and applications such as Zoom, Skype, WhatsApp and Facetime may allow for social interactions to continue, they do not replace the need for in-person human contact” (Haider). Though there are ways to stay in contact with loved ones, there’s a large difference between interacting through video calls and physically seeing them. It goes on to say, “The initiation of social distancing, self-isolation and lockdowns limits face-to-face social contact with others” (Haider). The change in the routine of having planned events and going to visit people they care for have changed tremendously. This impacts the mental health because many people desire the company of others, especially in this crisis. Therefore, it is likely to bring anxiety and depression to those who cannot interact with others.
People who have mental health disorders prior to this pandemic are also highly effected. The need to stay indoors and with the limitations on social interaction, there are many ways they are suffering. Haider states “Depressive symptoms may worsen with increased low mood, decreased energy, and limited interest in day-to-day activities. In crises, fear intensifies symptoms in people with pre-existing mental health disorders” (Haider). There is a possible feeling of being trapped inside that is traumatizing to many with mental health disorders. She also says, “Stress is a well- documented factor in the worsening of symptoms of people with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Affective Disorder”. Stress is common among people in these times, but it is especially harming to people with these disorders. Also, “it is possible that those with OCD with pre-occupations of contamination and cleanliness may experience increased of frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts… emphasis on frequent hand washing”. The things that must be done in effort to be safe, such as washing hands, can be done excessively by those who struggle with OCD. The constant hand washing in fear that they can have COVID-19 just by simply touching something is harmful on their mental health.
Though this current situation is harmful to mental health, there are resources provided for those who are being affected. For example, China has services prepared to help those who need it. The article says “Fortunately, The China government have provided mental health services by varied channel including hotline, online consultation, online course and outpatient consultation, but more attention should be paid to depression and anxiety” (Gao). There are still services available for people even though some cannot physically meet. Another article states, “Telemedicine services are readily available to anyone owning a telephone or a computer, and can be provided through video calls, phone call, text messaging and online forums” (Haider). People are still able to communicate and seek help in these times.
The Coronavirus has changed the world today in many ways. Mental health is an area that most have been impacted. People are not to have much physical interaction with others due to social distancing. Being bombarded with news, both valid and invalid, are causing panic and anxiety. Those with mental disorders are affected to due having to stay indoors. Though things have changed immensely, there are still services provided so that people can continue to communicate with people that can help them. COVID-19 has had an impact on everything, but the people are working hard to fight back.
Haider, I. I., Tiwana, F., & Tahir, S. M. (2020). Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Adult Mental Health. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 36, S-1-S-5. https://doi-org.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2756
Gao, J., Zheng, P., Jia, Y., Chen, H., Mao, Y., Chen, S., Wang, Y., Fu, H., & Dai, J. (2020). Mental health problems and social media exposure during COVID-19 outbreak. PLoS ONE, 15(4), 1–10. https://doi-org.ccny-proxy1.libr.ccny.cuny.edu/10.1371/journal.pone.0231924
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