Mental Health and Covid-19
Mental health is not the first thing you think of with a pandemic. However, Covid-19 has been affecting people but physically and mentally. It’s recently been discovered that poor mental health affects young people the most during the Coronavirus Pandemic. In a study by The Lancet (which you can read here, https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(20)30308-4/fulltext#%20) it found that:
- COVID-19 has negatively affected our mental health.
- It’s a result of anxiety and stress, related to the loss of family and loved ones. But also, the economic and employment uncertainty.
- Young people, women, and those with small children have experienced more mental health problems than other groups.
What is distress?
This survey looked at people’s difficulties with sleep, concentration and decision making. It also looked at how they felt emotionally, such as whether they felt strained or overwhelmed.
We don’t all feel the same
Why the pandemic affects young people and women with small children more is unclear. However, the study points to clues for women, such as losing reliable support from family members, paid childcare and friends. The government’s social restrictions and lockdown will stop a lot of this support.
Could there be long-term effects?
The limits on seeing friends and family; access to normal social activities and worries about finances all play a part in how people feel. However, it’s difficult to predict how far these changes will impact on people’s mental health during and following the pandemic, ss how we feel and what’s important, varies so much from person to person.
It’s clear that to manage any additional mental health needs, people must receive need very clear information in public health messaging and be provided with easily accessible services.
If you need any help or assistance from Health Connections Patient Transport Service, please do get in touch with us at any time.