Pandemic’s Impact On Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health worldwide, and there are concerns that the mental health repercussions will continue long after the pandemic has ended. The extended period of social isolation, worries over finances, job security, health, and safety have been detrimental to the mental well-being of many individuals.

We Got Through The 3 Year Pandemic… How Are You Doing Now?

Studies have shown that individuals who have been affected by the pandemic are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The prolonged exposure to the stressors of the pandemic has resulted in chronic stress, which in turn has caused a variety of physical and mental health problems.

Social isolation has been another major contributor to the long-term mental health repercussions of the pandemic. The lack of social interaction has left many people feeling lonely, disconnected, and hopeless. These negative feelings can lead to depression and anxiety, and in severe cases, can even lead to suicide. Click here for tips to support your mental health.

Losing Loved Ones

Many people who have lost loved ones due to the pandemic are also facing a long road to healing. Grief and bereavement can have a profound impact on mental health, and the inability to say goodbye and attend funerals and memorials due to social distancing and crowd restrictions can lead to complications in the grieving process. It’s important to understand the long-term mental health repercussions of the pandemic and the need for further research, resources, and support for affected individuals.

The pandemic has emphasized the need for mental health support as part of a comprehensive approach to public health. It’s crucial to ensure that those affected by the pandemic have access to the resources they need to heal and move foreward.

How Did Introverts Handle Social-Distancing vs. How Are They Now?

During the pandemic and social-distancing measures, many introverted individuals were able to adapt to the changes with relative ease. Introverts tend to enjoy quieter, less-stimulating environments, which the pandemic certainly provided. Many introverts found themselves able to pursue their hobbies, work remotely without the typical office distractions, and spend quality time with a small circle of people they were comfortable with. The lack of social obligations allowed many introverts to recharge their batteries and focus on themselves.

Now that social-distancing measures are easing up and society is slowly returning to normal, some introverts may feel a sense of anxiety or dread. The thought of having to engage in small talk with strangers or attend large social gatherings can be overwhelming for some. Many have found ways to ease back into social situations, such as starting with small group meetups or attending low-key events. Overall, introverts have likely fared well during the pandemic. Introverts and extroverts will continue to adapt and find ways to balance their need for solitude with social interactions.

My Introverted Experience

I consider myself an introverted extrovert. Right before the pandemic began I quit drinking alcohol (which was always included in socializing) and became an artist. So when it came time to social distance ourselves I found it more relieving than anything. Plus it gave me more time to dabble in my new love of painting. I moved to a new state and gladly continued social distancing…

During the thick of the pandemic I felt myself thriving and not fretting as much as others. I felt like I had a superpower. Fast-forward 2 1/2 years and I found myself depressed. It was confusing because it happened so slowly, like a fog creeping in completely undetected. The pandemic’s impact on my mental health was not noticeable for at least 2 years. Since I isolated myself for so long without many social contacts, it became harder for me to pull myself out. Now it’s been 3 years and I am still emerging, slowly but surely!

If you are in the same boat I recommend that you go easy on yourself. Even if the pandemic didn’t feel particularly painful or traumatic…it still was. Give yourself grace and patience. Make small goals to connect with others. Even if you must force yourself to get out there, do it anyways and know it won’t feel this hard forever.

Be Mindful Of Your Social Threshold

Think of your social life at a time when it was thriving and perhaps overflowing. Imagine, after being somewhat isolated for 3 years being thrust back into that same overflowing social-life. For some it may sound exciting but for many it could induce anxiety just thinking about it. This is an example of your Social Threshold. This includes your job, family, relationships, hobbies etc. It is the amount of socializing you are used to on a regular basis.

Realize that it is important to take small steps into creating your ideal life. Not suddenly changing overnight, that would be overwhelming and unsustainable. Create small goals towards your ideal social life, take steps when you are able. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You should give yourself permission to take care of yourself if you are feeling 100% overwhelmed from life on a specific day. Keep in mind that if you isolated yourself for 3 years, you will need to “push” yourself a bit in order to get going again.

Just because the pandemic is over doesn’t mean we can easily jump back into everything like how it was before. We are not robots and life isn’t that black and white. Gently expand your social threshold and congratulate yourself for doing so.