The Effects of COVID-19 on Mental Health
The psychological toll of COVID-19 is vast. For many, social isolation, unemployment, loneliness, loss of loved ones, and economic stress have contributed to decreased mental health.
Mental Health and the Pandemic
The uncertainty of how COVID-19 was transmitted increased people’s anxiety or feelings of depression. A study published in 2021 stated, “Rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder have increased since the beginning of the pandemic.”
Since the beginning of COVID-19 regulations, substance use and mental health issues have remained elevated. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) collaborates with the Census Bureau to conduct surveys using their Household Pulse Survey data system. The Household Pulse Survey is a quick 20-minute online survey that gauges people’s mental health. The survey results indicate the current mental health status of those nationwide. The responses gathered indicate:
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety increased during the pandemic.
- Overdose deaths sharply increased during the pandemic.
- Death caused by alcohol increased.
- Suicide rates have increased.
Depression and Anxiety
Throughout the pandemic, the rates of depression and anxiety were more pronounced for those who lost their jobs and were unemployed. Unemployment and job loss are known determinants of decreased mental health.
Alcohol and Substance Use
Pandemic regulations like social isolation combined with job insecurity, anxiety, or depression are underlying factors when discussing the increase in alcohol and substance use. The death rates from substance overdose increased across all ethnic and racial groups, yet there were differences.
The stressors and uncertainty generated by COVID-19 also contributed to excessive alcohol use. The rates of alcohol-related illnesses and deaths also increased.
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Suicide
Mental health and medical professionals reported increased suicidal ideation and deaths throughout the pandemic.
Mental Health and the Disability Community
COVID-19’s impact on those with disabilities and chronic health conditions is notable. Before the pandemic, those in these communities were already at a heightened risk of mental health issues. The increased burden of social, environmental, and health issues placed upon those with chronic conditions or disabilities increased the risk of becoming ill and experiencing anxiety or depression.
Delivery of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, some may have had trouble accessing mental health or substance use treatment. For some, the cost, limited or no provider options, not knowing how to find treatment, and acceptance of insurance created barriers to necessary care. Pandemic closures and disruptions worsened access to care.
However, COVID-19’s adverse effect on people’s mental health created awareness of the need for mental health and substance use treatments. The demand for these services increased. As a result, policies were implemented addressing the challenges of access to care. These changes included telehealth, improved access to opioid and other substance use treatment, and increased school-based mental health services.
Telehealth
Increased access to telehealth bridged the gap for those in rural areas, underserved communities, and the disabled community. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many people couldn’t travel or afford mental health or substance use treatment. The increased use of telehealth during the pandemic provided essential mental and physical health treatment.
Community Health
Community health centers, for example, are a national safety-net resource of primary care providers that provide care for people in economically or medically underserved populations. COVID-19 changed how people used these community centers.
Researchers and medical professionals gained insight into a pandemic’s impact on the mental well-being of populations. The information and insight gained led to changes in how mental health and substance use disorder treatment is viewed and accessed. Services like telehealth have decreased barriers to care, allowing people to begin a journey to better mental health.
To learn more about the leading causes of COVID-19 mortality rates, visit CDC WONDER.
For information on mental health or substance use disorder services, visit the National Institute of Mental Health or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s websites.
Christina Sisti, DPS, MPH, MS is a bioethicist and health care policy advocate. She works to create awareness and improve health care policy for those with long-term health issues.