Populations around the world have been faced with a tremendous amount of stress, fear, uncertainty, financial instability, and ultimately; alarmingly high rates of depression. Covid-19 abruptly changed the way the world worked. Suddenly, we had new rules to abide by; things that were once perfectly normal were deemed critical health risks. The short-term goal of public safety was a priority, but now we are beginning to understand the consequences of our decisions to lock down, isolate and remain separated from one another.
Mental health concerns are developing in record numbers, both as a reactionary response to pandemic-related stresses and also as a potential neurological symptom of the virus itself. The team at Guided Grace, Family and Youth Services wants to help people understand why and how depression and anxiety disorders are so prevalent in the post-Covid-19 eras.
Physical and Cognitive Symptoms of Covid-19
Most people have a good understanding of what physical symptoms are attributed to Covid-19, with most patients experiencing:
- High Fever
- Aches & pains
- Extreme fatigue
- Difficulty breathing
- Dry coughing
What later became evident, was that recovering patients were starting to notice cognitive impairments as well. In the days, weeks, and months after overcoming the virus, patients began describing significant memory lapses, and a brain fog that kept them from returning to work. This was an early sign that Covid-19 was capable of affecting the brain and its inner workings in a very real way.
Pandemic Depression
For many people, the pandemic and its restrictions and lockdowns created so much stress due to schools being closed, businesses shutting their doors, losing employment, and the looming threat that the virus could affect one of your loved ones. There was no shortage of things to worry about throughout the course of the pandemic. This persistent stress wreaked havoc on our fight or flight response, meaning stress-related hormones were disproportionately being produced.
Young adults, who are already at an increased risk of anxiety and depressive disorders, were placed at an even greater risk of developing one or more mental health disorders. The CDC compiled information on the mental health of young adults and showed as much as 56% of those aged 18-24 were experiencing some form of depression or anxiety. At the same time, tendencies for substance abuse and suicidal thoughts doubled.
Covid Causing Depression
Health professionals are still trying to understand the scope of symptoms and lasting effects of Covid-19. Early on in the pandemic, there were indications of infected patients losing their sense of smell and taste. This showed that the virus was capable of affecting us neurologically as well as physically.
Because of the unique way in which the virus infiltrated the body, brain cells were at risk of being infected and then destroyed by your immune system. Fighting off the virus was potentially leading to the loss of important healthy cells in the brain and other major organs like the lungs.
Information published in The Lancet highlighted the fact that almost 1 in every 5 COVID-19 patients in this study, developed a mental health issue — like depression, anxiety, or dementia — within 3 months of diagnosis. This risk was doubled in comparison to patients who didn’t contract COVID-19.
Getting The Help You Need
Depression is one of the most serious and widespread mental health concerns facing us today. It is a complex and multifaceted condition that should be taken very seriously. While some people experience periods of depression, ones that follow traumatic events, clinical depression is something that needs to be addressed by a professional.
Even if you are experiencing mild depression, mental health professionals are expertly equipped to help you bounce back and regain control over your life! Therapy services have been proven to help patients with depression, as well as reduce the likelihood and severity of future relapses.
The team at Guided Grace is comprised of highly trained and experienced therapists. Using methods such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, our specialists can create therapy programs designed to help individuals with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety.
Depression and Anxiety Disorder Therapy Services Available in Saginaw, Michigan
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of anxiety or depression, the team of experts at Guided Grace, Family and Youth Services can help! We offer a range of therapy services designed to help patients deal with mental health concerns and restore their quality of life!
Call our office to speak with a member of our team, or schedule an appointment online today!
