By Lauren Berryman
While COVID-19 attacks one’s upper respiratory system, the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic are just as violently attacking some people’s mental health.
The virus thrives when an infected person comes into contact with other people. This means defense against the virus is social. But isolation’s consequences could have lasting effects on people struggling with their own mental health.
The World Health Organization estimates that a fourth of adults worldwide suffers from a mental health condition. A recent study by Qualtrics found 42% of people said their overall mental health has declined since the start of the pandemic. These changing statistics raise concerns about how this virus will affect people long-term.
Americans in at least 42 states have stay-at-home orders restricting them from leaving home besides running essential errands. So, now more than ever, people are cooped up at home with limited social activity.
Even when running essential errands, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends people stay socially distanced by six feet. The virus’ R0 , or level of contagion, is 2-2.5. Therefore, for every person with the virus, they could spread it to two or three healthy people if not properly social distanced.
“This level of transmission spread and pathogenesis is more than any of us could have expected,” said Sarah McDonald, Ph.D, a virologist and associate professor of biology at Wake Forest University.
The virus congregates in the upper respiratory tract making it easy to spread by coughing, sneezing and even talking. Because of the novelty of this virus, nobody has natural immunity to it. Thus, no one is immune to the threat COVID-19 could have on mental health either.
“In a few weeks’ time, everyone’s lives were upended, and that’s bound to bring up a lot of feelings,” said Nikki Elston, Ph.D, an assistant teaching professor in the department of counseling at Wake Forest University.
This pandemic has raised a level of uncertainty for the future. College students have been forced to finish school online. Business owners have cut hours for some employees and laid off others. Family members have gotten sick.
“The unexpectedness of having to leave my university early was particularly anxiety-inducing for me,” said Sarah Schubert, a junior at Denison University. “I tend to worry about the future a lot, so it drives me crazy when I can’t even plan for it.”
Schubert is not the only one struggling with anxiety during these times. Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications increased 34% between mid-February and mid-March, according to CNN Health.
With increased anxiety, alcohol sales have also sky-rocketed 55% compared to this time last year, according to CNN Business. People cope differently when feeling alone or worried, and one coping mechanism is alcohol.
Liquor stores are deemed essential businesses because the effects of alcohol withdrawal can be harmful and even deadly. With more people using alcohol to cope, those who have recovered from alcoholism could relapse.
“I was talking to my friend who counsels individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders, and he said the majority of his clients have relapsed,” Elston said. “If people are feeling more isolated and worried, they may return to their addiction as a coping mechanism.”
Many counseling services have moved online to provide telemental health counseling, but Elston admits it is different. People benefit from group sessions — the connectedness of sitting in a circle with those who share similar stories helps many individuals, but this is lost through online sessions.
While it is difficult to understand right now the effects COVID-19 may have on mental health long-term, experts said it will depend on the person.
“While we may not know this for some time, it’s possible this virus may push people who are thinking of suicide to act on their plans,” Elston said, “especially if they are feeling isolated and helpless.”
However, she also said it could benefit people who find large crowds anxiety-inducing and find comfort in isolation.
In times of despair, people typically come together to help those in need. While this is not possible because of stay-at-home and social distancing orders, Dr. Steve Burton, a psychiatrist at the Louisville Veterans Affairs Medical Center, encourages people to do acts of kindness. By helping others, one can boost their own happiness.
“Try to be optimistic, but don’t deny the risk,” Dr. Burton said. “It’s also very important to get outdoors and open up shades in the house. We need sunlight. It helps prevent depression. And, instead of focusing on what you cannot control, try to recognize things you can control.”
Lauren Berryman 