The Mental Health Effects of the Pandemic

A major effect of the pandemic has generated more stigma toward mental health issues. More people have felt shame and fear throughout these three years of the pandemic. Also, the frustration in admitting that they need support for their mental health and emotional wellness. Isolation fatigue has been a major concern in families, businesses, and the entire society. On a personal level, being isolated from the world has made many people act differently and with more ignorance.

In the past three years, there has been an increase of people who have been irritated, rude, and no longer use the manners taught in their childhood. It has been three difficult years for some people, especially in the medical field and businesses. Many people have been feeling tired, depressed, and with anxieties about the future. I feel the pandemic has changed everyone’s perspective about life, society, and what was once important to them. What is exactly isolation fatigue?

Isolation fatigue may seem complicated for some people to understand. However, this term refers to having impatience with being outside. The brain feels restless and cannot control the new change the pandemic has made. Therefore, being isolated has made many people to be distressed emotionally. The more isolated, the more depression takes over the brain with other side effects.

The side effects range from hallucinations to changes in sleep, and behavioral problems. The pandemic made more people do hoarding, misuse alcohol, and be addicted to porn and other substances. Yet there is hope for a better future for the next generations if society must live with Covid-19 and other future viruses. There are ways to manage the fatigue that isolation has produced mentally and physically. Additionally, there are resources to cope with isolation fatigue and other mental health problems.

The key is to find the resources quickly and efficiently to help everyone who needs it. Isolation fatigue causes the loss of feeling motivated. It also causes changes in mood, behavior, and daily activities. It affects children and adults in the form of communication. Therefore, if you notice any changes in sleep, eating, and other changes; seek professional counseling or behavioral services.  

Isolation fatigue should be a topic that needs to be addressed in the work field and the academic field. People should not stay silent about struggling with mental health problems. It should not be discussed in a toxic manner. Instead, people who are dealing with mental health issues should feel safe in their work, university, and in society. Below are more resources about isolation fatigue and a link to an infographic. 

 

6 Ways to Beat Social Isolation Fatigue-6 Minute Read-Power of Positivity:

6 Ways To Beat Social Isolation Fatigue | 6 Minute Read (powerofpositivity.com)

The Psychology of Isolation Fatigue:

https://best-universities.net/features/the-psychology-of-isolation-fatigue/ 

Covid Fatigue and Burnout-How to Cope-Healthline:

COVID Fatigue and Burnout: How to Cope (healthline.com)

10 Signs You Have Pandemic Fatigue and How to Cope-Psychology Today: 

10 Signs You Have Pandemic Fatigue and How to Cope | Psychology Today

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