COVID THROUGH THE AGES

How does age impact our mental health?

By Sue-Ann Maislin Sue-Ann Maislin has a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and Adult Education from the University of Toronto and a post-graduate certificate in Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion from Centennial College.

If you’re like most Canadians, you might find yourself at least somewhat more anxious, restless and distracted since the start of COVID-19. Perceptions about mental health are changing. The public and world experts believing that we are headed for a mental health crisis in the coming months.1 There’s worry about what the future will look like and the impact COVID-19 will have on older and younger generations.

It’s been at least five months since the start of the pandemic in Canada, and many of us are still worried about getting sick with the coronavirus and the effect it will have on our friends, family, colleagues, and the economy. The Canadian Mental Health Association and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health report that inappropriate coping strategies and risk-taking behaviours, like overeating, increased substance use, and problem gambling have increased. It’s no wonder, given the constant uncertainty, distancing norms and conflicting information about the virus.

STRESSFUL ALERTS

Our screens are flooded daily with stressful news alerts about COVID-19, and stepping outside the house to go to work, do a little shopping or meet a friend for coffee might feel like walking into a minefield. Issues like high rates of unemployment, how to best restart our troubled economy, and how to get our children back to school top the list of concerns. Add the ominous news that a second wave of the virus is expected, and you can understand what is keeping us up at night.2

It may seem like you’re adjusting on some days, but on others your head is stuck in the sand and your heart is pounding. You might feel sort of okay but not quite yourself. Despite having food on the table, you might find yourself struggling but don’t know why. Sure, there are things you feel grateful for right now, but you can’t stay motivated or focused when it comes to important tasks. You’re restless, and distracted by the smallest things. These experiences are normal, predictable responses to a situation that is anything but normal and predictable. Author May Pang describes this as “feeling COVID-ish,” saying we are experiencing a period of collective grief and mourning, as we come to terms with so many losses at once. Loss of familiar routines, social connections and stable employment are common sources of grief. And of course, many of us had prior challenges that have compounded during the pandemic.

AGE DOESN’T MATTER

Canadians of all ages are experiencing a wide range of mental health symptoms, some of which disrupt our ability to function and may require professional intervention. While medical and support resources are available, the stigma attached to mental health disorders is among the many barriers standing in the way of recovery. Although we’re experiencing this struggle together, age does matter when it comes to the mental health of Canadians.

TEENS AREN’T EXEMPT

Teenagers and young adults are considered at lower risk of experiencing severe symptoms of COVID-19, yet nearly 40% are still worried about contracting the virus.3 Canada’s youth has been disproportionately affected by mental health challenges since the start of the pandemic, reporting twice the level of anxiety about the social, psychological and economic impacts of the virus, compared with their older counterparts.3 4

Although we’re experiencing this struggle together, age does matter when it comes to the mental health of Canadians.

Young people have traditionally been at risk of experiencing mental health problems, which have only intensified.3 They continue to face barriers to stable employment and affordable housing, and are at higher risk of developing mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety and substance-use disorders. Social isolation, gender-based violence, economic pressures, as well as difficulty accessing mental health and addictions resources, may be contributing to a mental health crisis among our youth. Since the onset of COVID-19, youths are experiencing higher rates of substance overdose and suicide, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

HOW ABOUT MID-LIFE CANADIANS?

Most of the research on mental health impacts has been conducted on youth and seniors, with less known about mid-life Canadians (40-59). However, some experts claim that adults that identify with the values of Generation X also known as “Latch-key Kids,” may be in a better position to cope with the ambiguity surrounding COVID-19, having learned to be independent and cope in tough times at an early age. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, these adults have lower rates of anxiety, depression and risk-taking behaviours since the start of the pandemic than younger Canadians.

On the other hand, mid-life adults are often literally caught in the middle of the crisis, simultaneously balancing work, childcare and eldercare responsibilities, without access to the same social supports, like schools, daycares or help from extended family before the pandemic. According to research conducted by Cambridge, Mass.-based MIT Age Labs, Gen-Xers are the most likely of all generations to be worried about the impacts of COVID-19, especially about the health of loved ones and continued economic hardship.

BOOMERS IN GOOD SHAPE

Interestingly, older adults appear to experience less anxiety and fare better when it comes to mental health than younger generations, with some exceptions,3 5 boomers typically enjoy more financial stability and are less likely to contend with workfamily conflict,6 but see COVID-19 as a threat to their individual health and are deeply concerned about its effects on loved ones.7 Social isolation is a significant risk factor for older age groups. About one-third of people with depression are age 65 or older, indicating older adults are at increased risk of mental health problems. A joint study by Baycrest Health Sciences and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health is under way to help determine the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on older adults.

To avoid mental health problems, many Boomers are prioritizing social connections with friends and family, as well as maintaining active, healthful routines during the pandemic.8 While adults age 60 or more have concerns about becoming infected with the coronavirus, careful planning and adherence to

public health and hygiene guidelines can make dayto-day living safe and meaningful. Balancing safety with the need for social connections is important to maintain good overall health for seniors, now and in the future.

Global experts expect our mental health to worsen in the coming months. Despite the fact that we are collectively struggling, only one-third of Canadians who need mental health services in Canada will receive them.

There’s little doubt that the coming months will be tough on all of us as we learn to navigate life in the era of COVID-19. Global experts expect our mental health to worsen in the coming months. Despite the fact that we are collectively struggling, only one-third of Canadians who need mental health services in Canada will receive them.9

Age is only one of a myriad of factors that influence our mental health. Whatever our age, stage or generation, there are many things we can do to improve our mental well-being. Personal coping strategies, like daily physical activity, leveraging social and psychological support systems, and finding a way to take meaning from the madness can help all of us ride out the storm. If you are feeling down or struggling for a couple of days, practise self-compassion and recognize that you are doing your best. Don’t be afraid to share your issues with someone close to you. Remind yourself and your loved ones that it’s okay not to be okay.

It’s also important to know when you or someone close to you needs professional help. Disrupted sleep patterns, lower energy, difficulty concentrating, loss of pleasure from important activities or relationships, change in mood, heightened anxiety, negative feelings, detachment from people, difficulty controlling substance use, or thoughts about suicide that last two weeks or longer, or start to impair your ability to function, are signals that it’s time to speak to a doctor or a qualified mental health provider.