Coronavirus Depression: Why is it Happening and What Should You Do?
By Angela Robertson 12/29/2021
Coronavirus and Depression:
Why is it Happening and What Should You Do?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with mental health challenges related to the morbidity and mortality caused by the disease and the mitigating activities, including the impact of physical distancing and stay-at-home orders.
Symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorders increased considerably in the United States during April–June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019. (CDC, August 2020).
Why Are Anxiety and Depression Happening?
When something out of the ordinary occurs, our internal alert system takes notice, and our brain realizes something different. Not only is something out of the ordinary taking place, but it’s also not right; it’s causing sickness and death, and on the onset, the expert says there’s no cure. It’s invisible, moves at will, and has the potential to destroy. Our internal systems have flashing red lights, a loud buzzer ringing alerting us that danger is out there, it’s near, but we don’t know where – they call it COVID-19; all of which can and will cause significant stress even panic.
The morbidity and mortality caused by the disease and the mitigation activities include mandated social distancing and stay-at-home orders; it contributes significantly to anxiety and depression.
Additional COVID-19 Depression Causes
Isolation- Many have been separated from friends, family, and society.
Financial Concerns
Layoffs- Many have lost jobs or have been furloughed
The Negative Impact of COVID and Depression
Unhealthy habits
Overeating
Weight Gain
Consuming alcohol or other substances
Lack of sleep
Lack of Productivity
Low Energy