How COVID-19 has impacted the mental health of Americans
A recent ‘COVID-19 Mental Health’ survey conducted by Sentio Solutions between 14 and 21 April, 2020 clearly showed that COVID-19 has had a negative impact on people’s mental health, with over 60% of those surveyed stating their current mental health state is worse now than before the pandemic.
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What are people’s main concerns?
According to our survey, the COVID-19 pandemic has left many people feeling stressed and anxious most of the time as they are worried about what the future may hold. This is understandable, as life has changed with most of us on lockdown, along with many being furloughed from work, or maybe even lost their jobs. Another common negative feeling that was prevalent was feeling a loss of purpose and productivity in their daily lives.
The top concern for our survey population was that someone from their family would get sick with the virus, but they were not so concerned that they themselves would get ill. With the world on lockdown, it was also hardly surprising that another big concern for people was the belief that the economy will go into a long-term recession. Another common concern that came up was what the new normal would look like. After this is over the world will have changed, but how it changes, for now is an unknown.
The biggest inconvenience of the current situation that Americans have is missing the physical social interaction with their friends and extended family. In addition, many are worried about the lockdown disrupting their fitness routines and health eating habits, as well as feeling bored with nothing to do.
The positives to come out of COVID-19
During a period of global crisis it’s unusual to think that something positive can come out of something that has had such a devastating impact on our way of life. However, over 90% of the respondents said they saw something positive coming out of the crisis.
The biggest positive American’s see are the environmental benefits, in that the reduction in air pollution due to the lockdown will give the planet time to heal. Another big positive for many is the fact they get to spend more quality time with their families. Additionally, being able to take a step back from their everyday routine and working from home were also seen as significant benefits.
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Taking action to improve mental health
Some American’s surveyed have already taken action to improve their mental health during the current situation, with the most common coping actions being talking to friends and family, either in person or online, and starting some kind of online therapy.
Feel Relief Program
In response to the current crisis, Sentio Solutions has developed Feel Relief, a new remote, tailored and structured 4-week mental health program to help people manage excessive worry during the COVID-19 pandemic about their health, the new way of living or their financial future, so they can turn anxiety into a balanced emotional state. The program includes access to mental health resources, an app to journal emotions as well as weekly online 15-minute sessions with qualified coaches who will teach useful techniques to manage stress levels during the global crisis.
Full details of the Feel Relief Program can be found here.
