Coronavirus: Mental Health Deterioration More Apparent During Pandemic

Mental health has become one of the key topics among health experts since COVID-19 came around as more people experience stress and anxiety due to uncertainty and instability.

Poll: Over Half of American Adults Negatively Affected by Pandemic

In a recent nationwide poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, it was found that around 53 percent of American adults reported that their mental health had been negatively affected by COVID-19.

The respondents said their mental health deterioration was mainly due to stress since the pandemic started. In March, the poll's results stood at 32 percent, marking a significant increase in U.S. adults worrying about the pandemic.

Among the main issues that medical experts said were the key concerns for the public during a pandemic such as COVID-19 are isolation, career problems, unstable income, and uncertainty about the future.

Mounting deaths in hard-hit countries as well as millions of infected people around the world are also among the main stressors for people trying to live through hard times.

Study: Multiple Factors Related to COVID-19 Affecting Mental Health

A new study by the University of Idaho found that there are multiple factors linked to the novel coronavirus that affect public mental health.

Among the key takeaways from the recent study was the finding that people who spent longer periods under quarantine reported increased feelings of depression. Some others experienced symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The study's results further fired up talks about the importance of mental health during the pandemic, especially as what is dubbed as the "new normal" remains a difficult phase of adjustment for many.

Mental Health Neglected During Pandemic?

Some health experts in the United Kingdom have expressed concerns about whether mental health was neglected amid the global health system's focus on developing a vaccine against the novel coronavirus.

Psychiatrist at the Leeds and York National Health Service (NHS) partnership trust, Nuwan Dissanayaka said that since COVID-19 came about, there was "a lack of parity between those with physical and mental health issues."

For some, the importance of mental health was set aside as medical teams and health institutions rushed to curb further coronavirus infections while non-physical issues were of less gravity.

Demand for mental health services has also climbed over the past months, health providers revealed. In-person services have slowly opened up around the world, prompting more people to seek professional mental health advice amid the uncertainties.

Series of Deaths in Colorado

In Colorado, nine people have taken their own lives this year, sparking talks about how mental health during COVID-19 has heavily affected people.

Among the recent deaths were that of a famed and community-recognized firefighter, as well as a Steamboat Springs psychologist. The psychologist, in particular, penned a note that pinpointed worries over the novel coronavirus.

Head of suicide prevention group Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide, Mindy Marriott, noted that the pandemic has only worsened mental health issues for some people in the area.

Director of crisis services center Open Hearts Advocates, Meghan Francone, added that what the pandemic has brought about is "toxic stress."

As of Wednesday, the global COVID-19 infection toll has reached around 32 million, while the fatality toll stands at over 979,000.