How the new wave of COVID-19 is impacting mental health

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Hello Alpha

5 min readSep 13, 2021

COVID cases are once again on the rise and, with them, mental health concerns are surging. Fortunately there are several ways to cope with stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As summer draws to a close, the United States is seeing a renewed surge in COVID cases and deaths. Along with mounting concerns about the virus, there is another looming public crisis — the mental health conditions caused by the pandemic.

Reports indicate troubling signs of COVID-19’s long-term impact on mental health. There have been considerable spikes in domestic violence and drug overdose. Some suicide prevention hotlines report a staggering increase in calls. The CDC reports an exponential rise in symptoms of depression and anxiety. While signs of depression and anxiety have escalated throughout the population, an inordinate number of women and people of color have borne the brunt of pandemic-related stress.

How has the pandemic impacted mental health?

It’s no secret that the pandemic has been stressful, but the specific ways it impacts mental health can seem more nebulous. Factors contributing to the mental health impact of COVID-19 include:

Fear of the virus

One of the primary ways COVID-19 has impacted mental health is through fear of the virus itself. Studies show that looming dread about contracting COVID-19, or a loved one contracting COVID-19, has caused a litany of mental health problems among the general population — including stress, anxiety, distress, depression, and trouble sleeping.

Uncertainty about the future

The coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult to plan for the future as we once could. The state of the world has left many people unsure about their employment, the steadiness of their income, stability in housing, and the availability of a slew of other basic needs — including prompt healthcare.

For young children and youth, the closure of schools and extracurricular activities, along with uncertainty around their academic future, has aggravated mental health issues and anxiety. As COVID-19 cases ebb and flow, this uncertainty has remained.

Research indicates that living in a state of uncertainty can have a measurable influence on anxiety and depression. Some people even experience physical symptoms like insomnia and elevated blood pressure.

Isolation

As a result of social distancing, quarantine, and continued public health mandates, many people have been left feeling lonely and isolated. Studies indicate that social isolation caused by the pandemic has wreaked havoc on public mental health. Many people have experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, such as fatigue, insomnia, and mood swings.

How to manage COVID-related stress

The coronavirus pandemic has altered nearly every facet of our daily lives. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pandemic and all of the change it has brought, you’re not alone. Fortunately, they are several ways you can help manage COVID-related stress, such as:

Tracking your mood

First, it helps to recognize potential symptoms of anxiety and depression, including:

Insomnia, nightmares, or night terrors
Persistent feelings of fear, rage, worry, or sadness
A sensation of emotional distance or apathy
Physical symptoms like migraines, headaches, body aches, or gastrointestinal distress
Dependency on alcohol or other substances

Monitoring any changes in mood, energy, and physical sensation is key to managing your stress in a healthy way. Keep track of anything that alleviates or aggravates your symptoms.

Taking media breaks

As you may have experienced during the height of the pandemic, it can be overwhelming to stay abreast of breaking news and social media topics. Unfortunately, scrolling through social media — no matter how informative or community-based — can wreak havoc on your mental health.

Be aware of when you hit the point of diminishing returns on your screen time and find ways to walk away. Turning off your phone and computer at set times each day and night is often the first step to breaking harmful social media habits. In times of crisis, try to disconnect from social media when you experience early symptoms of stress or anxiety. Refocus your energy by taking a walk, going outdoors, or drinking water.

Connect with your body

Studies show that meditation can have major benefits when it comes to managing stress and anxiety. Make your health a priority by building mindfulness into your daily schedule. Other ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine include:

Daily physical activity
Breathing exercises
Yoga or stretching
Consistent sleep and wake schedules
Limitation of alcohol intake
Maintenance of regular health screenings

Build community

Social relationships can have a major impact on your mental health. While COVID has made it challenging to connect with others as we once would, it is more important than ever to be cognizant of your relationships and communities. Whether virtually, via phone, or safely in person, prioritize spending time talking with your friends, family, and communities.

Be sure to reach out to others you are worried about or who may be struggling with the stresses of the COVID-19 pandemic. Staying connected through times of physical isolation can help maintain a healthy sense of belonging and contentment.

When to see a doctor about mental health concerns

It can be challenging to take the first steps towards addressing mental health concerns. However, if you are experiencing persistent feelings of stress or potential symptoms of anxiety and depression, it is imperative that you seek help from your healthcare provider.

In case of emergency, dial 9–1–1 or the appropriate hotline.

Coping with anxiety and depression is never easy, but the healthcare providers of Alpha Medical are equipped to help you. Alpha Medical offers thoughtful online medical consultations as well as prescriptions for anxiety and depression. To get started, you will complete an online consultation and an Alpha Provider will work with you to help you best manage your mental health symptoms.