The Psychological Impact of COVID-19

The 2019 Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has caused a universal impact by causing mass hysteria, economic burden, and financial losses.

Since the first case of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was diagnosed, it has swept across the world. As a result, changes in national behavioral patterns and shutdowns of usual day-to-day functioning have occurred.

While these steps may be critical to mitigate the spread of this disease, they will undoubtedly have consequences for mental health and well-being in both the short and long term. These consequences are of sufficient importance that immediate efforts focused on prevention and direct intervention are needed to address the impact of the outbreak on individual and population level mental health.

Large-scale disasters are almost always accompanied by increases in depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance use disorder, a broad range of other mental and behavioral disorders, domestic violence, and child abuse.

It is necessary to plan for the inevitability of loneliness as populations physically and socially isolate. The use of digital technologies can bridge social distance, even while physical distancing measures are in place.

Systems will need to balance the need for social distancing with the availability of safe places to be for people who are at risk, and social services systems will need to be creative in their approaches to following-up on reports of problems.

Finally, it is time to bolster our mental health system in preparation for the inevitable challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is normal to feel anxious and afraid while we deal with the effects of this pandemic. We know this situation is stressful for everyone. People living with mental illness and addictions may be finding it especially difficult to cope.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please contact 911 immediately or present to your nearest emergency department.

From everyone at JEWELL RADIMISIS JORGE LLP,please stay safe and healthy!