The Silent Pandemic: How COVID-19 Is Affecting Mental Health Across the Globe

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only caused a catastrophic impact on physical health but is also having a silent yet significant impact on mental health. The pandemic has brought about a range of mental health problems like stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental healthcare services in 93% of the countries worldwide.

The pandemic’s effects on mental health resulted from various factors, including social isolation, economic pressure, and fear of infection. Quarantine measures and lockdowns implemented worldwide have significantly affected people’s social connections, leading to loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Not seeing loved ones, being confined in small spaces and without outdoor recreation altered people’s moods and thought process.

Economic pressure is another added stressor that is arising in the pandemic. Job losses, income reductions, and financial struggles have significantly affected individuals’ experiences, causing immense concern, restlessness, and anxiety. Loss of jobs has plunged some individuals to depression and other mental health issues, while the rest wonder how they will keep the roof over their heads and put food on their tables.

Fear of infection has resulted in a significant psychological impact on people, causing panic, anxiety, and stress. When individuals do not feel the sense of control in a situation that can affect their lives, they are likely to develop anxiety, which may trigger other mental health disorders.

According to reports, young people between the ages of 18-24 are significantly affected by the pandemic’s mental health impacts. Several studies indicate that the prevalence of depression is doubled throughout the pandemic in this age group. The brunt of the pandemic’s impact is borne by students from this age group and young people starting their careers in professional fields.

The pandemic’s impact on mental health is not just a problem for individuals; it is also impacting the economy at large. The productivity of workers has decreased, leading to loss of revenue, and the healthcare sector is bearing the brunt of mental healthcare requirements. Furthermore, the world is experiencing a significant increase in suicide cases associated with the pandemic, and these show that swift action needs to be taken to address this issue.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a silent pandemic of mental health disorders. In the absence of a vaccine or a cure, effective measures need to be taken at the individual, community, and government levels to ensure that mental health problems are addressed. WHO has provided guidelines to support people’s mental health during this challenging time. These guidelines are essential in supporting people that have experienced a range of mental health disorders due to the pandemic’s impact. As mental health is crucial for the well-being of individuals and the economy, it is essential that effective measures are being taken to tackle the silent pandemic.