The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to a global health crisis, with significant implications for mental health. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic, and the virus has spread to over 170 countries. As of April 2020, there have been over 1.6 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with over 100,000 deaths.1
The outbreak has resulted in widespread anxiety and fear, as well as disruptions to daily life. Many people are struggling to cope with the challenges of self-isolation, social distancing, and job insecurity. The pandemic has also had a major impact on mental health services, with many patients unable to access care due to travel restrictions and closed clinics.
The full extent of the pandemic’s impact on mental health is still unknown, but it is clear that the crisis is taking a toll on the mental wellbeing of people around the world. In this article, we will provide an overview of the pandemic’s impact on mental health, both in terms of the direct effects of the virus and the indirect effects of the response.
The direct effects of COVID-19 on mental health
The direct effects of COVID-19 on mental health are still being investigated, but there is evidence to suggest that the virus can cause a range of psychological distress.2,3
PTSDs
A recent study found that among a group of 1,255 adults in China who had been infected with COVID-19, 35.5% met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and 31.9% met the criteria for depression.4 Other research has found high rates of anxiety and depression among people in quarantine.5
It is thought that the psychological impact of COVID-19 may be due to a combination of factors, including the fear of contracting the virus, the worry about loved ones becoming infected, and the stress of dealing with disruptions to daily life.2,3 The virus may also trigger existing mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.6
The indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health
In addition to the direct effects of the virus, the COVID-19 pandemic is also having a number of indirect effects on mental health. These include the psychological impact of self-isolation, social distancing, and job insecurity.
psychological effects of safety procedures
Self-isolation and social distancing can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anxiety.7 In a survey of 2,000 adults in the UK, over half of respondents said that self-isolation had negatively affected their mental health.8
Job insecurity
Job insecurity is also a major source of stress for many people during the pandemic. In a survey of 2,000 adults in the US, over 60% of respondents said that they were worried about losing their job due to the economic impact of COVID-19.9 This stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
The indirect effects of the pandemic are also having an impact on mental health services. Many clinics and hospitals have been forced to close or reduce their services due to the outbreak, making it difficult for patients to access care. This is particularly concerning for people with serious mental illness, who may be at risk of relapse if they cannot receive treatment.
Delay in diagnosis and treatment
The pandemic is also causing delays in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. A recent survey of UK GPs found that one in three patients with mental health problems was waiting longer for an appointment than they were before the pandemic.11 This delay can have a serious impact on mental health, as it can worsen symptoms and make recovery more difficult.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on mental health, both in terms of the direct effects of the virus and the indirect effects of the response. The full extent of the pandemic’s impact on mental health is still unknown, but it is clear that the crisis is taking a toll on the mental wellbeing of people around the world. For more information you can visit Psychiatrist in Lahore at Shaafi International Hospital.
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