The Great, Great Depression: Dark Side of the COVID-19 Response
You are not alone.
A simple statement that many would not feel is true for themselves in today’s world of staying at home and social distancing. It is true that the stay-at-home and social distancing orders put in place by countries around the world have saved thousands and ultimately millions of people from dying from being infected with the COVID-19 virus. Keeping people away from each other was one of the keys to impede sudden virus outbreaks that could overwhelm hospitals and medical staff. In the past several months, the stay-at-home and social distancing mandates appear to be successfully thwarting the once exponential growth in virus infections and fatalities. However, these directives have caused a severe and chaotic disruption in people’s lives. This has been an unprecedented event, affecting societies across the planet all at the same time. On top of worrying about oneself, friends, and family members becoming infected with the virus, people are dealing with drastically limited physical contact with others, the cancellation of virtually all forms of social and community gatherings, the loss of employment and financial security, and the uncertainty of the future. The plunge of the collective mental and emotional well-being of the world caused by this virus and the response to it may be the most urgent issue that has sorely lacked attention.
The upheaval in the way of life of billions has created an insidious toll on the mental health and emotional state of a large portion of the population, especially those who have been already suffering with a mental illness such as depression and anxiety. Many who experience a depressed or anxious mood often isolate themselves from others and find it difficult to leave home and take part in recreational activities. The stay-at-home and social distancing orders reinforce these unhealthy behaviors and exacerbate their symptoms. In some cases, going to a therapist’s office for a session or attending a mental health support group may be the only times people leave their homes. Nowadays, therapy sessions are performed via video conference. Support groups have been postponed or cancelled for the time being. While tele-therapy works well for many, there are many benefits in actually going to the doctor’s office and being physically present with a therapist that cannot be replicated through a computer screen. Additionally, being told to stay home by authorities makes it even harder to encourage someone who is depressed to go outside and get some much needed exercise.
Many who suffer with depression and anxiety are encouraged to create and follow a routine to help alleviate their symptoms. In addition to sessions with a therapist, a routine may include scheduling to attend organized events and activities related to one’s interests. Churches, ball games, parties, concerts, theaters, and community centers are cancelled or closed. This new world of restricted social interaction has left many without these essential ways of coping with depression and anxiety. Some people, like myself, suffer from social anxiety. For those individuals, reaching out to friends can be difficult. They may rely on social interaction through organized activities, such as volunteering, recreational sports, and shared interest events to fulfill that much needed feeling of human connection.
Some people live alone and lack the experience of physical human connection. People watching and indirect social interaction can fulfill that need for human connection. Activities such as working in a cafe alongside others on their computers, going to the theater to watch a movie, or shopping at the mall are ways that can give many that feeling that they are not alone in the world. However, without access to these activities, one’s solitude can turn into deep sadness. Additionally, even walking on a sidewalk can induce sadness. Because of social distancing, people passing on a sidewalk may actively avoid one another, either walking on the sidewalk’s edge or choosing to walk on the street instead. This can leave one quite disheartened and feeling emotionally disconnected from others.
Of course, video conferencing and social media has provided a way for many to stay connected with friends, coworkers and loved ones. For the more social types, being able to interact with others through these means has been a godsend. But there is something to be said about not only being in the physical presence of others but also being able to experience the touch of another human being. The sense of touch is an essential part of feeling emotional human connection. The act of greeting one another with a handshake or a high-five. Showing love for a loved one with a comforting hug. The touch on the shoulder to console a friend. Non-verbal communication and body language between people cannot be conveyed through the internet. These acts of human touch are irreplaceable and are sorely missed in today’s environment.
Our society along with most others in the world have neglected to adequately provide much needed care to those who struggle with their mental and emotional well-being. The COVID-19 virus and response efforts have only magnified mental health issues that most people are already facing to some degree. Additionally, the stigma of mental illness, while has been lessening in the last decade or so, still exists and continues to have a harmful effect on those who are suffering. Because of this stigma, mental illnesses are not given the same attention or concern as medical illnesses. Health insurance plans make it incredibly more difficult to get help for a mental health issue compared to a medical-related issue. Some insurance plans even lack coverage for mental health treatments.
People known to have a mental health concern such as depression or anxiety often feel that society views them as weak and needy. This feeling of shame prevents people from seeking help or reaching out to their family for support. In some cases, parents are unwilling to admit that their child suffers from a mental illness, hiding it from family and friends and neglecting to provide needed care for their child. With the stay-at-home order in place, households are dealing with this drastic and abrupt change in day to day life. Children and teens with mental health issues can feel trapped in their home environment which only worsens their symptoms. Compounding the situation is the influence of social media and how it can paint a world that is much different than the one a child or teen is facing. This can further isolate them from their friends on social media and send a signal to them that no one understands the suffering they are experiencing.
The COVID-19 virus and the response efforts have uncovered a new set of challenges to consider; the indirect effect the stay-at-home and social distancing orders have had on the mental and emotional well-being of the people. There are lessons to be learned and ways we will need to adapt as a society to take on this challenge. With some experts forecasting additional and more deadly virus outbreaks in the near future, it is critical that the response efforts take into account the effect they have on our mental and emotional health. For the time being, here are some thoughts about taking care of yourself and improving your mental well-being, as well as those of friends, family, and fellow human beings.
- If it feels important for your mental well-being, ask your therapist about the possibility of in-person sessions using the necessary social distancing precautions.
- Check in on your friends and family, especially those that live alone or have struggled with mental illness before.
- If you feel comfortable doing so, share your own emotional struggles with others you trust. It is likely they may share those struggles as well.
- Be kind to yourself. It is okay to feel sad, worried, and anxious. It is healthy to express these emotions.
- Get outside, even for a short walk. Being outside and being active are part of taking care of your well-being and should be considered a necessary activity.
- Set up a routine for yourself to give some structure to your life. Schedule activities for the future. Give yourself something to look forward to.
- Thank your therapist and mental health providers for their service. This has been a difficult time for them as well. They are also on the front lines of this pandemic.
- Get involved and take action if you have the resources and the time. Volunteer for a hotline. Be a listening ear to a loved one. Allow others to be vulnerable with you.
- Lastly, know that we are all struggling through these times with you in some capacity. There are people out there who want to help you. Here are some helpful resources.
