At Gorman Medical we are effectively diagnosing and treating mental disorders resulting from the prolonged epidemic of Covid-19. As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on globally, there is little doubt that it is taking a lasting toll on the mental health of millions of people. Fear of getting sick, the loneliness that accompanies quarantine, and a fragile economy combine to create complicated challenges to mental well-being.
Research
Canadian psychology researchers have created a repository of evidence documenting how COVID-19 is affecting people’s mental health. The body of literature is a living systematic review which investigators are continually updating with emerging research.
The review has combined data from 56 different studies looking at mental health symptoms related to COVID-19 and identified factors that contribute to changes in mental health, and interventions aimed at improving those symptoms.
Findings
- Health care workers treating patients with COVID-19 experienced significantly higher levels of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, insomnia, and distress.
- People who were younger, had young children living in their homes, and were considered a higher risk for becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 were more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and trauma symptoms. In addition, people with lower incomes or who lost income were more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Older study participants were more likely to experience a significant increase in anxiety during the pandemic.
- People with higher levels of emotional stability, self-control, and positive coping styles under stress were less likely to experience psychological distress due to the pandemic. Individuals with higher levels of locus control—for example, the belief they have some control over their circumstances—were also less likely to experience psychological distress.
Interventions
To date, we lack data about effective COVID-19 interventions that improve mental health outcomes. Two small studies have demonstrated some promising outcomes: one found that muscle relaxation exercise helped to reduce anxiety among a small number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in China; another found that individuals who received psychologically-affirming texts showed improvements in their well-being. There are many larger trials underway looking at the effects of virtual exercise interventions, meditation, body awareness, and counseling.
Take-home message
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of people across the globe. Measuring its impact and designing interventions to help improve mental well-being is currently underway and a top priority for researchers. Hopefully, the COVID-19 vaccinations forthcoming will effectively turn the statistics into better health. In the meantime, discuss your mental health situation with Gorman Medical providers. Our patients in many cases need prolonged counseling, anti-depressants or anxiety medications. The sheer stresses of the virus are obvious with impacts on jobs, families and individuals.
For more information on handling stress and anxiety, see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html