Post Pandemic Anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic caused over 1 million global deaths in just 1 year. While the death toll itself is tragic and staggering, the pandemic left many people struggling financially, physically, and emotionally as well. All of this in addition to a year of social isolation, racial injustice, and dramatic political tension is enough to cause a decline in mental health for any person.

After all we have experienced, feelings of “post-pandemic anxiety” are completely normal and have been shown to affect many people across the globe at varying intensities.

Studies over the past year have shown that no one is immune to the COVID-19’s damage to mental health. The mental health of all age groups was affected over the past year - from children having trouble adjusting to and keeping up with online school, to teens and young adults fearing for the future and losing valuable connections and life experiences, to adults affected by financial hardships and amplified family stresses.

According to the Psychiatric Times, “COVID-19 has already led to diverse mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other trauma- and stress-related disorders.”

Anxiety, depression, insomnia, feelings of hopelessness, low motivation, burnout, and poor concentration are all side effects of the extreme stress brought on by this form of PTSD.  Four groups of people are most directly affected according to the Psychiatric Times: those who contracted COVID-19 and suffered serious and potentially fatal symptoms; those who have directly witnessed others’ suffering and death; those who have lost  a family member or friend due to COVID-19; and those who have experienced extreme exposure to unpleasant and intense details relating to sickness and death (most frequently journalists, first responders, medical examiners, and hospital personnel).

Even though things are looking up with widespread vaccinations and an overall decrease in COVID-19 contractions, a lingering anxiety is still normal. As vaccinated countries begin to transition back to a pre-pandemic life, increased anxiety about reopening is also normal.

Also as we return to normal, it may be common to feel a sense of anger, “survivor’s guilt,” or grief due to the year of past trauma. It can be tempting to dismiss the feelings brought on by the pandemic in the hopes of moving on, but remember that post-pandemic feelings of anxiety are normal and that you are not alone in your struggles.  

Taking time to be more aware of your mental health post-pandemic is extremely important moving forward. Seeking help from professionals to talk through your emotions, spending time with friends and family, finding creative and relaxing outlets, and grieving and being mindful of your emotions are all steps in the right direction.

A sense of closure might still be a distant hope for some, there is a light at the end of the tunnel as we continue to research and help others struggling with these symptoms.