COVID-19 anxiety syndrome: A pandemic phenomenon?
As lockdowns and restrictions ease in a variety of locations, some people think it is extremely challenging to reacclimate to “normal” life. As the pandemic recedes, some think about this phenomenon as another emerging mental health crisis.
Over a year has passed since SARS-CoV-2 commenced to spread around the world. Its appearance, which first caused mild concern, soon turned into serious worry as more persons received a diagnosis of COVID-19.
In the beginning, scientists knew hardly any concerning this novel virus and the condition it caused. The unknowns and the virus’s remarkably rapid spread incited fear among health professionals, scientists, and the general public.
Soon, restricted travel, lockdowns, mask mandates, and physical distancing protocols were implemented as a tactic to slow COVID-19’s spread. Widespread media coverage detailed every nuance of an ever-changing pandemic landscape as world leaders and health authorities waged war upon this invisible threat.
Worldwide, there have been over 150 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with just over 3 million deaths related to the disease. According to official projections, in some countries, like the USA, the rate of new SARS-CoV-2 infections is gradually declining.
This decrease is probable because of increased herd immunity and the introduction of vaccines. To date, approximately 1 billion vaccine dosesTrusted Source have already been administered around the world.
Consequently, some countries, such as the United Kingdom, are starting to soften protocols initially devote spot to stop the spread of the virus. As lockdowns lift, many persons who were not able to leave their residence are now going out and enjoying life as best they can while still being mindful of safety.
Yet, for some, heading back out and mixing with other people is a concept filled up with anxiety and stress. Despite vaccines and a reduction in disease prevalence, some people experience what scientists call COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.
Symptoms of the syndrome mimic those of other mental health conditions, including anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). And, the pandemic and related factors seem to be the cause.
In this Special Feature, Medical News Today takes a closer look at this phenomenon, how it occurs, and what the most recent research says. We also talked to environmental psychologist and well-being consultant Lee Chambers, M.Sc., M.B.Ps.S. Chambers shared his tips how to manage this emerging mental health challenge.
How the pandemic impacts mental health
At the beginning of the pandemic, most of the people were on high alert, experiencing fear and worry over the impact this virus may have. As scientists and healthcare professionals gained more understanding of the virus and how exactly to treat the symptoms of COVID-19, society began to settle into a new and unfamiliar routine of coping with a pandemic.
Throughout this global health emergency, reactions have varied widely. Some people refused to improve their behavior, while some followed the guidelines strictly to avoid contracting the virus. However, on a more substantial scale, many people experienced a sudden disruption within their lives.
Disaster situations frequently have the same effect.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies classify a tragedy as “a sudden, catastrophic event that severely disrupts the functioning of a community or society, causing human, material, economic, or environmental losses.”
A tragedy can have far-reaching consequences on mental health. According to researchTrusted Source, a disaster may precipitate PTSD, anxiety, and depression among the population. People with mental health conditions, women, children, and older adults are most at risk.
These mental health consequences of a tragedy also occurred with the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source between June 24-30, 2020, show that around 40% of adults in the U.S. reported at least one adverse mental health concern, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation.
As more knowledge of pandemic-related mental health consequences evolved, scientists discovered an emerging band of anxiety-related symptoms and behaviors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. They classify this phenomenon as COVID-19 anxiety syndrome.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com
