The coronavirus pandemic has swept the entire globe, leaving behind a mental health crisis in its ruins. While the fear of COVID-19 itself has dwindled in comparison to the March 2020 numbers, the aftermath of society’s mental health is nearly immeasurable.
Mental health awareness should rank high in our life, with or without a pandemic affecting our daily routine. When something of this magnitude disrupts our life without any warning, the impact on our mental health during the pandemic can be almost as detrimental as the virus itself.
The Proof Is in the Numbers
Whether you realize the current status of your mental health or not, the events happening around you are impacting your mental well-being every day. As COVID-19 approached the United States, fear set in, fueled by the numbers from countries hit first, giving little hope to us faring any better.
According to a survey conducted by the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index, 28% of Americans report worsening mental health, and 34% report worsening emotional well-being at the end of April. That means one quarter or more of our country has had their mental health negatively affected by this pandemic.
The study goes on to address, “These mental health effects are likely caused by a combination of media coverage, the economy, and quarantines in place around the country.”
What Should Mental Health Professionals Expect?
As Americans continue to make sense of what halted society for three months, the long-term effects have now become part of the discussion. The pandemic results on mental health are being seen in waves, as each person reacts differently to the “new normal.”
Nancy Lublin, CEO of Crisis Text Line, stated, “In wave one we saw massive anxiety, and the anxiety has echoed the locations where COVID is showing up most.” According to Lublin, the second wave of effects from the pandemic is now breaking, and she expects it to last longer than the first. This wave is marked by effects from stay-at-home orders, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, and economic hardship.
Quarantine Fatigue Is Real
As we round the bend into a state of new normalcy, with states reopening their economies and people enjoying the outdoors and summer season, the pandemic hangover has set in. Quarantine fatigue is, in fact, a real thing.
Being under a stay-at-home order for the spring season has created a rollercoaster of emotions for many. But, because this has been an ongoing theme throughout the nation, staying home almost feels normal at this point. The thought of venturing out into the world again can be scary for many, most often because of the unknown attached to it.
The quarantine routine, or lack of routine, has been exhausting for many. With a lack of structure and socialization that most of us are used to, we have become zombie-like. Netflix binges, endless delivery foods, and no place to work out have all caused us to lose the focus we once had, trading it for sweatpants and a “good enough” approach to anxiety and a panic-ridden everyday life. Preventing coronavirus anxiety is one step toward adjusting to this new world we live in.
What You Can Do
The risk-reward mentality could never be more accurate than as it relates to the coronavirus pandemic. While the risk of contracting the virus was once ranked highest, the idea of someone spending one more minute in their home when they just can’t mentally handle it anymore could be just as high.
Due to the longevity of this crisis, our mental health may affect our decision making more than our potential physical health would. According to The Atlantic, “health experts can also acknowledge the contextual factors that affect both a person’s decisions and their risk of coronavirus transmission. Some people are seeking human contact outside of their households because of intense loneliness, anxiety, or a desire for pleasure. The decision to go for a run with a friend or gather in a park with extended family may be in conflict with current public-health guidance in some communities, but for some people, the low risk of coronavirus transmission in these settings may be outweighed by the health benefits of human connection, exercise, and being outdoors.”
The battle between ourselves and our mental health doesn’t have to have the stronghold it seems it could. Taking a natural mental health supplement, combined with genuinely acknowledging your mind and how you can help yourself, will put you on a successful path for living with less panic and anxiety. Here at Tranquility Labs, we recommend adding Tranquilene Total Calm® to your wellness regimen. It is a comprehensive natural anti-anxiety supplement designed to correct stress-causing nutritional imbalances over time while providing immediate herbal calming.
As we continue to battle the waves of the pandemic and all the aftermath it leaves, it’s essential to keep your mental health in check. Take steps every day to ensure you are prioritizing your emotions and those in your household. Take advantage of the numerous resources available, and remember to ask for help. We will get through this and come out stronger.
