Reference no: EM133632513

There is a strong link between COVID-19 and mental health illness. Mental health is an issue that has been increasingly discussed in recent years as increased numbers of people begin to recognize its importance and impact on individuals and society. Although it is frequently misunderstood and disregarded, mental health is essential in determining a person's general health and well-being. Because of this, it is crucial to comprehend mental health, the various mental health disorders, and how society can support those dealing with mental health problems, especially during the pandemic. A person's psychological and emotional well-being is referenced as "mental health." The ability to deal with the pressures and challenges of life in a healthy, balanced way is referred to as mental health (Cullen et al.). Mental health issues bring on significant suffering or impairment in one's life. While physical health has been the primary focus of public health efforts during the pandemic, the psychological effects of the virus and the economic, social, and political impacts cannot be ignored. COVID-19 has had impacts on mental health directly, through the experience of being ill or having a loved one become ill, and indirectly, through the disruption of job security, educational opportunities, and social networks. The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching impacts on the mental health of individuals and communities around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on mental health illnesses around the world. The psychological consequences of COVID-19 will continue to be seen for some time. Numerous studies have revealed that individuals who have been infected with the virus or who have been exposed to it are more likely to suffer from mental health issues than those who have not. These illnesses' prevalence among the population increased during the COVID 19 pandemic, which added to the already high number of individuals with mental health disorders. According to a study in the US, people who tested positive for COVID-19 were more had a higher chance of developing mental disorders (Cullen et al.).

The pandemic had a heavy impact on people who already have mental health disorders and other healthy individuals. Discussed in the following sentences are the most common mental disorders during the pandemic. Schizophrenia is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by disturbances in thought, perception, and behavior. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, social withdrawal, and difficulty concentrating. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Symptoms of OCD include recurrent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors such as excessive handwashing, counting, and checking (Li et al.). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent, distressing memories and thoughts of a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of traumatic events, hyperarousal, and difficulty concentrating. Personality disorders are a group of mental health disorders characterized by rigid and unhealthy patterns of thinking and behavior. Symptoms of personality disorders include rigid, inflexible patterns of thinking and behavior, intense fear of abandonment, difficulties in regulating emotions, and extreme mood swings (Li et al.).

Disruption of routine induces mental health issues due to increased levels of stress and depression. One of the primary causes of increased mental health illness during the pandemic has been the disruption of daily life. The disruption to routines can be particularly difficult for those who rely on structure and routine to manage their mental health. The disruption to everyday life can also lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can be exacerbated by the fact that many people have been unable to see their friends and family due to social distancing measures. This lack of social contact can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. The widespread implementation of public health measures such as lockdowns, travel restrictions, social distancing, and mask-wearing has upended the routines of many individuals. This has resulted in a range of negative psychological effects, such as stress and depression (Thibaut et al.).

Limited socialization during the pandemic has also led to increased mental disorders. The closure of recreational activities has further limited opportunities for individuals to engage in meaningful activities and socialize with others. Many people have had to adjust their daily schedules, as they have had to work from home, limit their travel and reduce their social interactions. Social isolation has been a key feature of the pandemic, as governments around the world have imposed lockdown measures to reduce the spread of the virus. This has had a significant impact on mental health, as people are unable to socialize and interact with other people. This lack of social contact can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression. Social isolation can also lead to an increase in substance abuse, as people are unable to find other forms of coping. This can have a detrimental effect on mental health, as substance abuse can lead to further psychological distress (Thibaut et al.).

Financial struggles and economic struggles have a psychological impact on individuals' mental health. Economic insecurity is another factor that has contributed to increased mental health illness during the pandemic due to the excessive cost of living. The global economic downturn has had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations, who are more likely to experience job loss, financial insecurity, and poverty. Many people have lost their jobs or have had their hours reduced, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. This can be particularly difficult for those who are struggling to make ends meet and are unable to cover their basic needs. Economic disruption can also lead to feelings of shame and guilt, as people feel that they have failed to provide for themselves and their families. This can lead to low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness, and depression. In addition, the lack of access to adequate healthcare further exacerbated mental health issues during the pandemic (Thibaut et al.).

The fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic can have a profound effect on mental health. During the pandemic, individuals were uncertain of their fate due to the fatality of the disease. People were uncertain about their health and the health of their loved ones, and they were anxious about the potential economic and social disruptions that may arise from the pandemic. This fear of the unknown can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, as people are unable to predict how the situation will unfold. In some cases, this fear can become so intense that it leads to PTSD. The fear of the virus itself can also have a significant impact on mental health. People fear contracting the virus and the potential consequences of infection. This fear can lead to feelings of paranoia, as people become convinced that they are at risk of becoming infected. This fear can also lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as people are ashamed of the fact that they may have put themselves or others at risk of contracting the virus (Thibaut et al.).

Another significant contribution of the pandemic to mental health illness is increased pressure on people, which could potentially lead to mental health disorders. Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the situation and the changes that have come with it. This can be due to the worry and anxiety caused by the pandemic, as well as the extra responsibilities that people are facing, such as home-schooling children or caring for elderly family members. This added pressure can lead to increased levels of stress, which can trigger mental health issues. The pandemic also came with many cautions, such as reduced physical touch, wearing of masks, and social distancing, which was likely to induce anxiety as individuals tried to adjust to them (Thibaut et al.).

During the pandemic, it was almost impossible to visit mental health facilities for services such as therapy leading to an increase in untreated mental disorders. The lack of access to mental health services and support can also contribute to increased mental health issues during the pandemic. Many mental health providers have had to limit their services or shift to online or telephone appointments due to the pandemic. This can be especially difficult for individuals who are actively experiencing mental health issues, as they may not have access to the support they need in a timely manner. In addition, individuals may be reluctant to seek help due to concerns about the stigma associated with mental health issues. Many people were also unable to access the mental health services they needed due to restrictions on movement or financial constraints. This means that people are unable to receive the support they need to help manage their mental health, which can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health issues (Guo et al.). The increased use of social media during the pandemic is due to its increased use. People have been using social media and the internet to stay connected with others and to stay informed about the pandemic. However, this increased use of social media and the internet has also caused an exposure to negative and alarming news about the virus, which can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. This can trigger mental health issues (Hossain et al.).

Finally, the pandemic may lead to an increased stigma around mental health issues. Due to the widespread impact of the pandemic, individuals may feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help for their mental health issues. The stigma around mental health can lead to individuals feeling ashamed or guilty about their experiences and can lead to decreased access to mental health services (Giorgi et al.).

In conclusion, the COVID 19 pandemic had a significant impact on heightened cases of mental health disorders among individuals. The many changes that came with COVID 19 have contributed to mental health disorders. These changes in lifestyle made it hard for people to cope with daily life since the pandemic was an abrupt change. The physical distancing measures, economic impacts, fear and uncertainty, and lack of access to mental health services have all contributed to an increase in mental health issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health, with an increase in the prevalence of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This increase of mental health conditions can be attributed to a number of factors, including the fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic, the disruption to daily routines, the social isolation imposed by lockdown measures, and the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. It is essential that people are provided with the necessary support and resources to manage their mental health during this challenging time.