What are the Psychological Effects of a Pandemic?

Thankfully it is not often that we have to deal with a worldwide pandemic. Unfortunately, with the recent spread of COVID-19 and current situation we find ourselves in, there are big impacts on on our lives. Pandemics, and specifically COVID-19, can have an impact on our mental health. Constant media coverage and reminders can cause anxiety, stress and panic.

Mental Health

For many, mental health is difficult enough during our regular lives. With the stress of relationships, finances and work, we often feel overwhelmed, anxious and stressed.

COVID-19 has made this much worse for many people. The uncertainty of the future of the economy and our retirement savings, the uncertainty of being able to work, and most importantly, the uncertainty of our health and the health of our loved ones. These are all areas that can induce stress and anxiety and cause lapses in mental health.

Isolation

By nature, most humans are social beings. We seek out others, and enjoy company. A global pandemic caused by a contagious virus requires we all do our parts with social distancing. This means limiting going out, and only for food and essential supplies. This means cancelling travel and social plans and events, not seeing friends, and staying home. For many, this experience can be isolating, and lead to loneliness and thoughts of depression.

Seek Help

This is trying time right now. There is no evidence that COVID-19 has any direct affect on mental health, but the social distancing and isolating policies clearly does. Counsellors, such as those at Kuldip Counselling, are well situated to help you through these trying times.

If you feel lonely, depressed, anxious, scared or uncertain, know that these are normal feelings during these times of uncertainty. If you find that these thoughts and feelings are constant, and can not be shaken, make sure you seek out help and do not face them alone.