This article was written by Jesal Gandhi and Winston Lee.
Many people are well aware of the physical tolls that one of the largest pandemics in the last century has caused. Oftentimes psychological health is largely neglected as a whole, regardless of the fact that recent quarantine and lockdowns as a result of COVID-19 have contributed to a large rise in mental health concerns around the world. A recent study from the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH) stated that “the widespread lockdown inevitably imposed psychological effects on social emotions, particularly anxiety.” Because of this, there are many questions to be answered regarding the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns and how these effects will continue into the coming future.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., lockdowns were mandated throughout the country. The study by the IJERPH analyzed the effects of increased isolation during the early stages of COVID-19, which found that lockdowns actually lessened anxiety that was caused by the virus. People originally were comforted by lockdowns because they felt protected by them.
However, as the pandemic has progressed, more harmful long-term psychological effects started to take root. According to a Rapid Systematic Review (RSR) study conducted by professionals at the University of Bath, children and adolescents have been negatively impacted by prolonged lockdown measures, with a sharp increase in both anxiety and depression that is likely to persist even after social distancing regulations end. Specifically, the RSR states that “more than one-third of adolescents report high levels of loneliness and almost half of 18- to 24-year olds are lonely during lockdown.” Social anxiety among individuals has increased during the pandemic, which is recognized by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) as “social phobia / social anxiety disorder,” can include fears of social situations such as conversations, performance in front of others, being observed, embarrassing oneself, and other characteristics.
Fortunately, there are actions that communities can take to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health. For example, the effects of social anxiety may be reduced by substituting digital social events for in-person events during quarantine. The RSR suggests that providing frequent opportunities for virtual socializing may allow “children and adolescents to experience social rewards, to feel part of a group, and to know that there are others to whom they can look for support.” Additionally, the study notes that directly acknowledging the negative thoughts producing social anxiety, such as self-blame, can also contribute to changing people’s mindsets concerning social situations.
There are also numerous things that individuals can do to reduce the stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people partake in a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plentiful sleep to cope with the stress of our rapidly-changing lives. Mayoclinic suggests that individuals practice socializing in “small steps” by connecting with people they feel comfortable with, complimenting someone, or even simply greeting another person.
If the stress and anxiety end up being too great, then the National Institute of Mental Health recommends that one consults their doctor or another health care professional, who may offer a referral to a mental health professional if deemed necessary. Social Anxiety Disorder, which the RSR states is the anxiety disorder most “strongly associated with loneliness,” is generally treatable through psychotherapy. The “most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety,” according to Mayoclinic, is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This form of therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and practicing social skills and is especially effective in groups.
The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly brought great psychological hardships to many. However, through gradual but consistent effort and assistance, people can eventually attain much of the “normalcy” that came before.
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