Many people experienced intense mental health concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these individuals, a number of them continue to experience ongoing mental health issues. It goes without saying that new, physical side effects of COVID-19 are being discovered every day. Along with that, however, it is necessary to discuss the residual effects that the pandemic has on the mental health of people nationwide.
Today, we’ll discuss the residual effects of the pandemic, especially on mental health and addiction recovery. This includes how you can determine whether or not you’re experiencing some of these effects and what to do about it. Of course, those requiring addiction and mental health treatment to treat some of these effects should reach out to West Coast Recovery Centers. Contact us by visiting our website to learn more today.
Understanding the Severity of the Mental Health Crisis During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had numerous effects on individuals across all communities throughout 2020 well into today. Many people are still trying to recover physically, financially, and mentally. Meanwhile, a lot of people remain unaware of just how bad our nation’s overall mental health was during the pandemic.
Research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the mental health of both adults and children. In 2021, approximately half of individuals in the country reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression. Many of these individuals also felt their mental health needs were not met during this time.
Rates of substance use disorder (SUD) also increased during the pandemic. However, finding treatment was next to impossible during the shutdown. The lack of treatment led to an increase in overdoses, a countless number of lives lost, and several more thousands of individuals left with undiagnosed mental health problems.
Without proper access to treatment, individuals found themselves:
- Struggling with self-isolation and lack of social engagement
- Trying to cope with anxiety, depression, and substance use
- Struggling to manage the stress of losing loved ones
- Experiencing an overall sense of hopelessness for the future
Thankfully, many addiction treatment and mental health facilities were able to make the switch to offering telehealth services. However, doing so took time. Nevertheless, many of the changes implemented during the pandemic continually prove beneficial for people to this day. Let’s explore some of these benefits.
How Have Mental Health Services Changes Since the Pandemic?
The most significant way mental health services have differed since the pandemic is that there’s wider access to telehealth services. Admittedly, telemental health services aren’t for everyone, but for many, they make it easier for them to get the help they need.
Nowadays, speaking with a licensed mental health professional is as easy as opening up your computer or picking up your phone. One of the most significant benefits is flexibility and convenience. Telehealth therapy doesn’t require travel and can be done virtually from almost anywhere. The flexibility makes it easier to schedule and coordinate without taking as much time off from work or finding childcare.
Before these advances in virtual therapy, individuals who couldn’t attend therapy because of work, childcare, or other responsibilities could now do so. Now, individuals can also seek treatment from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Doing so reduces anxieties and worries about discussing such vulnerable topics while reducing stigmas.
It’s also necessary to mention the limitations of telehealth. For instance, access to technology, insurance coverage, or privacy concerns may prevent a person from seeking treatment. Speaking of limitations, another issue regarding the residual effects of the pandemic on mental and emotional health is how to address them.
What Residual Effects Has the Pandemic Causes on People’s Mental and Emotional Health?
Four years after the start of the pandemic, concerns regarding mental and emotional health remain elevated. Not only are people continually struggling with anxiety, depression, and substance use but they’re also dealing with other complications. Sometimes this includes sleeping problems, excessive fatigue, and cognitive impairments. Many are also struggling with other several mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Furthermore, many never fully recovered from the increase in stress and isolation caused by the pandemic. In general, there’s an epidemic of loneliness going around the world. It’s amazing that in a world constantly connected by technology, so many of us can feel so alone. The pandemic didn’t help this problem, but mental health services can help.
How Mental Health Service Can Treat These Residual Effects
Of course, the implementation of mental health services via telehealth grew during the pandemic. As mentioned, these services expand access to a greater pool of individuals trying to cope with the residual effect of the pandemic. Individual therapy and support group counseling can significantly improve these effects while trying to improve your mental health and maintain recovery.
Naturally, we all need a little extra help from time to time. If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, or other residual effects of the pandemic, contact West Coast Recovery Centers. We can help you on your journey to wellness today.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a troubling time for most, and many are still dealing with a number of long-lasting, residual effects. Individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and other mental health conditions should consider seeking professional mental health services. If nothing else came out of the pandemic, we now have wider access to telemental health services than ever before. These virtual services can help you manage the residual effects of the pandemic while improving your mental health and maintaining your recovery. For additional help managing these residual effects, contact West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509. We can help you manage your symptoms, recover from substance use, and achieve greater wellness today.