How the Post Pandemic Era may Extend Stress

The complicated question of how post-pandemic stress may increase anxiety and stress disorders is still being investigated. Research shows that stress and anxiety may increase if there is prolonged social isolation due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This article discusses the signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety during the pandemic as well the consequences of social isolation for mental health. We also discuss how social isolation can lead to anxiety and depression.

Signs of Anxiety and Depression

As COVID-19 cases increase, so does the incidence of depression and anxiety. These symptoms could be caused by other conditions such as substance abuse. These symptoms can be treated with mental health services via telemedicine. Here are the top articles published in Psychiatry Advisor's 2021 year.

Researchers analyzed mental health symptoms in adults during the early phases of the COVID-19 pandemic and searched for predictors. 1,503 people completed an online survey via social media asking questions about their mental well-being. A total of 22.3% had depressive symptoms that were clinically significant, while 10.9% indicated possible major depression. The same goes for anxiety. 28.3% reported serious anxiety, while nine percent indicated severe anxiety. Multiple linear regression techniques were used to analyze results. These methods revealed several common factors related to both outcomes.

The study also looked at the effect of the COVID-19 epidemic on vulnerable populations. The researchers looked into the impact of COVID-19 on anxiety and depression symptoms in individuals with previous mental disorders as well their migration status. These findings show that the COVID-19 pandemic will likely negatively impact people from underrepresented communities. These findings also suggest that anxiety and depression symptoms may be more severe for those in low socioeconomic status, and/or people with mental or sleep disorders.

Anxiety and Depression: The Impact of Social Isolation

Social isolation can result from public health conditions. Loneliness and a negative self-concept can be caused by increased physical distance and fear of injury. Research has shown that social isolation is linked to 26% more premature deaths. People who are socially isolated report increased stress, anxiety attacks or emotional exhaustion. COVID-19 could be responsible for this increase in loneliness.

Therefore, current containment policies are detrimental to young people’s mental health. High levels of loneliness can be experienced by young adults and children as a result school closings and social distancing. One in three teens and half of the 18-24 year olds could experience loneliness during lockdowns, according to studies. Teens can also build a sense of self through relationships that are not within their immediate families. Apart from affecting self-esteem, mental health, and general well-being isolation can also lead to other pandemic-related issues.

COVID-19 research suggests that people exposed to it are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. Although 90 percent of COVID-19 countries have included mental health in their response plans, there are still major gaps. The unprecedented stress caused by social isolation is one of many reasons that people have been experiencing more anxiety and depression during the pandemic. Depression and anxiety can also be caused by financial worries, loneliness, family problems, and other factors such as financial woes. These symptoms can be linked with an increased risk of suicide.