MENTAL HEALTH IN THE AGE OF COVID-10
HIDDEN EFFECTS OF THE PANDEMIC
By
AREEHA KHALID EJ BECK
As the novel coronavirus, COVID19, is transmitted rapidly around the globe, the physical health of vulnerable populations is naturally foremost on people’s minds. However, the spike in pandemic-related mental health problems—especially for individuals who were already experiencing mental illnesses or substance abuse issues—merits just as much concern. World-wide catastrophes caused by diseases, natural disasters, and economic crises have been historically been associated with increased rates of suicide, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic, the very interventions designed to slow the spread of the virus (social distancing, closure of schools and businesses, etc.) are linked with declining mental health. This contradictory effect is related to a multitude of factors, such as anxiety over the future, financial stress,
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job loss, and isolation, all of which have been linked with poor mental health.
the effects of social isolation Social isolation and loneliness in particular are known to have many negative effects on mental and physical health, especially for groups already vulnerable to mental illness. Older adults, for example, have a high risk for developing depression, which, in this population, often remains misdiagnosed or untreated. Older adults also have a high risk of suicidal ideation or death by suicide, accounting for one in five (9,102 out of 48,344) suicide deaths in 2018, according to the CDC. This high risk of death by suicide is linked to loneliness, grief over losing loved ones, and illnesses associated with aging. During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults make up one of the
populations most at risk of death from the virus and may have decreased contact with loved ones, which can, in turn, lead to an increase in anxiety and fear about the pandemic, as well as a greater risk for depression. Children and adolescents make up another major population at risk for mental health problems during the pandemic. About 12% of individuals aged 12-17 in the U.S. are believed to have depression and anxiety, and though suicide is the tenth leading cause of death overall in the U.S, it constitutes the second leading cause of death for this age group. As the COVID-19 pandemic causes long-term school closings, the CDC predicts children and adolescents will lose access to key mental health resources and support systems provided by friends and teachers, which may lead to a spike in depression and anxiety.
