How Has the Pandemic Affected People Mentally? Surprising Statistics!

     The pandemic has had a mental toll on everyone, even if you weren’t as affected as others. In fact, there have been some shocking statistics from Mental Health America that reveal just how much the pandemic has affected people in the US. We’re taking a look at some of the more interesting findings and offering our thoughts.

How Has the Pandemic Affected People Mentally? Surprising Statistics!
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Mental Illness Among Youth is Growing Worse

     Nearly 10 percent of the US youth have reported severe depression, with the number being 0.5 more than in 2019. The youth have many challenges in 2020 and in 2021. They have to go to school via Zoom, they don’t get to see their friends as often, and the hope for the future seems a little bleak.

     Another interesting finding is that those who were multiracial were much higher to have depression, with the number being over 12 percent. This may be due to them being affected by the pandemic more, or by the current state of politics.

More People Are Seeking Help

     This is a good thing, as seeking help from a therapist or counselor can benefit people with severe mental health issues. Beforehand, over 60 percent of depressed youth did not get treatment, and this also applied to adults.

  

     However, when the pandemic hit, more people started screening for mental health problems. For example, with depression screening, over half a million screened for depression, which is an increase of over 60 percent.

People Are Suicidal

     Being suicidal is perhaps the most concerning mental health issue. Nearly 200,000 people reported ideation of suicide, and 37 percent have had thoughts of suicide on a daily. Among the youth, particularly LGBTQ+, the rates are even higher. Nearly 80,000 had ideas of suicide, with almost 30,000 of them being LGBTQ+.

     When you are a part of a marginalized group, it may be more challenging for you, especially if you are not allowed to see people who make you comfortable.

Asian Identities Were Affected Hard

     Another statistic that you may find interesting is that if you identified as Asian, or Pacific Islander, you were probably screening for mental health issues. The amount increased from 7 percent to 19 percent in 2020.

     One reason for that is more than likely due to the anti-Asian racism that has sprung up since COVID-19, with some blaming Asians for the existence of the coronavirus.

How to Take Care of Yourself

     There is a good chance that you are a part of these statistics. If you are suffering from mental health issues, here are some ways you can be able to take care of yourself better.

Get Some Sleep

     One issue that many are facing during the pandemic is poor sleep. This can lead to various problems, including an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It can be challenging to get some sleep in these trying times, but there are some ways to do so. Unplug an hour before bed, and make sure you aren’t doing anything else to make you feel tired.

     Get up and do something else should you not be able to fall asleep right away. Staying in bed will make you toss and turn, making you more restless. Talk to your doctor if you are still having issues.

Be Honest With Yourself

     Why are you feeling depressed or anxious? Do you worry about the pandemic taking you or your family’s lives? Are you worried about your job? Not being able to see your friends again? Worried about getting the vaccine?

     These worries are all valid, and it is essential for you to face them head-on. Keeping your fears bottled up can just cause mental health problems.

Keep Yourself Occupied

     Now is a good time to learn a habit, if you have not done so already. For example, you can learn a new language, save up money for a future trip, or practice another hobby like gardening.

     It sounds a little obvious, but there are many during the pandemic who have ended up just wasting away, and they are unable to do much else. Do not be a part of this statistic. Do something to keep you occupied in the meanwhile.

Try Eating Healthy and Exercising

     Many of us are ordering fast food and avoiding working out because of the pandemic, but this is going to make our mental health much worse. If you are unable to work out at the gym, try some home exercises, or taking a walk outside. Meanwhile, eat as right as possible. While it’s also okay to have a treat every once in a while, limit your treats and instead eat some veggies.

Talk to a Therapist

     We are in a period of great uncertainty. Even as more are vaccinated, we still do not know what the future brings. Will things ever return to normal? What even is normal? Will you be able to find a purpose after the pandemic? Can you find one now?

     While there are no straight answers to these questions, one way you can get help is to speak to a therapist. Right now, more people are turning into help in a period where we are all in this together. Speaking to a therapist may help to bring you the peace of mind you are desperately looking for. Also, you can learn ways to manage your symptoms.

     With that said, where can you go? A therapist may not be available in your area, or you may have no idea of where to turn to. One way you can get help is through online therapy. Talking to a therapist online can benefit you immensely, and you can get help on your own schedule. Not only that, it’s easier for you to connect to a therapist who is a good fit for you. You can filter based on age, gender, or other services offered.

For more information, simply click the link below in order to get started.

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/psychotherapy/how-different-psychotherapy-techniques-can-impact-you/