TGB Charity - How is mental health being affected by the Covid-19 pandemic?
Issue
2021.03.20
Covid-19's Impact on Mental Health

The coronavirus pandemic have not only affected global economy but also people’s mental health.

As the pandemic goes on, ongoing and necessary public health measures make many people experience situations linked to poor mental health outcomes, such as isolation and job loss. 

Widespread depression and anxiety 


The most common issues affecting wellbeing are worry about the future (63%), feeling stressed or anxious (56%) and feeling bored (49%). 


More and more people feel anxious and depressive. During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the US have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from 1 in 10 adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019. In the UK, more than two-thirds of adults (69%) report feeling somewhat or very worried about the effect Covid-19 is having on their life. 


While some degree of worry is understandably widespread, more severe mental ill health is being experienced by some groups. 


Inequalities in mental health 


Groups have not been equally influenced by the pandemic. The impact has hit hardest among young people, those with lower household income, people with a diagnosed mental illness, people living with children, and people living in urban areas. 


Young adults have experienced a number of pandemic-related results, such as closures of universities and loss of income, which may lead to poor mental health. A larger than average share of young adults (ages 18-24) report symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder (56%). Compared to all adults, young adults are more likely to report substance use (25% vs. 13%) and suicidal thoughts (26% vs. 11%).


According to UNICEF, the general situation in the countries has affected the daily life of young people as 46% report having less motivation to do activities they usually enjoyed. 36% feel less motivated to do regular chores. 


Young people’s formula 


Despite facing great difficulties, many adolescents and young people have found different ways to face new challenges and deal with their emotions. Here is their formula: 


“My formula has been to help in a community kitchen to distract myself and not think about this pandemia.” (Ignacio, 15 years, Argentina)


“My formula has been to read and write what makes me feel bad. On many occasions, I have cried. I have tried to distract myself by drawing or watching series. The covid-19 has change me a lot, I don´t even recognize myself.” (Rosa, 14 years, Guatemala)


“I don´t have an exact formula. The only thing is that I try not to stress, avoid panic and continue my normal routine. In the end, I told myself that stress does more damage than the virus itself.” (James, 22 years, Haití)



Poor mental health is strongly associated with worse physical health. TGB Charity encourages everyone to care about your fellows, family and friends more. Simply listening to someone could be the key to saving their life. 


References



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