The pandemic has stirred up an array of physical, economical, and also psychological issues, but amidst all of these crises, nations have also mitigated resources collectively to deal with the pandemic at hand.
Throughout the thousands of years of human history, pandemics have ceased to kill an estimated number of 300-500 million people. From the bubonic plague to the coronavirus pandemic, millions of lives have been taken leaving an indelible scar on society. Despite the progress and growth in science and technology, coronavirus has caused more than 1 million deaths within 10-11 months of its onset. However, it’s not just the death that is a worrying factor but also the accompanying physical, economic and emotional problems that trigger a lot of individuals in society. But despite all of this, nations have an opportunity of shared understanding and learning from the other nations based on their experiences.
During these trying times, a lot of experts have come forward to measure the impact of numerous traumatic as well as less severe types of stressors related to COVID-19. A lot of mental health problems have affected people from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and other stress-related problems.
Stressors and Protective Factors associated with the Pandemic
According to DSM-5, different groups have met the criteria for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and they are:
Individuals who suffered from COVID-19 illness and potential death
Family members of those who witnessed the death
Healthcare workers
journalists, first responders, medical examiners, and hospital personnel
individuals who have learned about the death or risk of death of a family member or friend due to the virus
Certain stressors that have added to individuals ailing emotional health are:
Traumatic Stressors:
Severe illness
Hospitalization
Witnessing Death
Death of a loved one
Extreme exposure to COVID-19 details
General Stressors;
COVID 19 exposure/ quarantine
Social isolation
Employment/income loss
Working from home with kids
Being a caregiver
Making difficult medical decisions
Inadequate PPE
Protective Factors:
Social Support
Financial Stability/ Employment
Healthcare resources
Safe Workplace
Wellness Programs
Adequate PPE
Promoting Diversity
Timely COVID-19 testing
Pandemic and Stress:
There was a study conducted in the UK to study the impact of COVID on the stress of individuals. Here are certain findings of the study:
In the past year, 74% of people have felt so stressed they have been unable to cope.
Age differences:
30% of older people reported never feeling overwhelmed in the past year, compared to 7% of young adults.
Behavioral effects:
46% reported that they ate too much or ate unhealthily due to stress
29% reported that they started to either drink or drink more than usual
16% reported that they started smoking or increased their smoking.
Psychological effects:
51% of adults who felt stressed reported feeling depressed
61% reported feeling anxious.
16% had self-harmed
32% said they had had suicidal thoughts and feelings.
37% of adults who reported feeling stressed reported feeling lonely as a result.
Causes of stress
36% of adults reported stress due to a friend/relative's long-term health condition as a factor.
22% cited debt as a stressor.
12% said that feeling like they need to respond to messages instantly was a stressor.
49% of 18-24-year-olds felt that comparing themselves to others was a source of stress, which was higher than in any of the older age groups.
36% of women reported their comfort with their appearance and body image as a reason
For younger people, housing worries are a key source of stress.
Younger people have higher stress related to the pressure to succeed.
These facts and figures keep us glued to the reality in the present-day scenario due to the pandemic. It can very well figure out that the current international pandemic and possibly future ones will challenge us and will have a major impact on the mental health of individuals and this should be taken as a serious issue just like other physical ailments.
- Suzanne Khan
References:
Chew NWS, Lee GKH, Tan BYQ, et al. A multinational, multicentre study on the psychological outcomes and associated physical symptoms amongst healthcare workers during COVID-19 outbreak. Brain Behav Immun. 2020;88:559-565.
Simms A, Fear NT, Greenberg N. The impact of having inadequate safety equipment on mental health. Occupational Medicine. 2020;70(4):278-281.
Bo HX, Li W, Yang Y, et al. Posttraumatic stress symptoms and attitude toward crisis mental health services among clinically stable patients with COVID-19 in China. Psychol Med. 2020;27:1-2.