The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event in modern times.
It is changing our lifestyle, our work, and our relationships. Its impact is also likely to be felt long after the general public is vaccinated. It is changing a lot of things, and the field of psychology is no exception. Some of the changes includes:
A Higher Demand for Mental Health Services
The first effects of the pandemic have been related to mental health issues and increases in anxiety, depression, and stress overall. Many have seen their financial stability suffer, have lost their jobs, have gotten sick, or have felt the negative effects on their health. This means that many more have been seeking support or feeling the need for mental health professionals. At the same time, existing institutions are not ready to give as much support as needed, which might lead to new spaces being developed for supporting mental health.
More Services available online
A common trend throughout the pandemic has been to move online. Education, social gatherings, and cultural events are currently being held through the Internet, and that tendency is likely to continue long after the pandemic is over. Many people are working online, and psychology has not been the exception. In the future, as telehealth becomes more common and accessible, we will likely see a lot more therapists and counsellors working through telehealth. These changes might be used to fill the increasing need for mental health support and to provide help for people still stuck at home or has limited resources.
More Focus on Trauma
The pandemic is essentially a worldwide traumatic experience that might push people towards developing ore mental health issues. Working with the experience of seeing loved ones die, the uncertainties, the loss of one’s freedom is likely to be important in the months after the pandemic when many people will be coping with trauma and feeling its effects. It has already been predicted that there will be significant increase in anxiety, depression, and suicidal behaviours due to this pandemic.
Increase in Health and Finance-related Anxieties
Anxiety and worry about the future are the defining experience of the times of this pandemic, and these concerns are grounded in reality. People might experience a lot more worry in the future and have deep concerns about staying healthy and ensuring their financial security. Losing one’s job or a loved one due to the pandemic can exacerbate these worries even after it is over.
Isolation and Loneliness
“Living in iso” a term we are all familiar with by now. One of the most difficult things has been the sense of isolation that can leave a person with lasting consequences. Many will need to work with rebuilding a social life and learning how to live life normally again. For a lot of people, isolation has contributed to depression that might continue to be present once the pandemic ends. Research have shown that loneliness is one of the main cause for video game addiction. The increase in loneliness and anxiety due to the pandemic has led to an increase in problematic gaming behaviours and internet addiction among young people.
It is important now, more than ever, that we prepare for not only what may lie ahead but also what is currently noticeable.
Are you or someone you know experiencing significant stress, loneliness, anxiety, or depression? It is important to seek professional help so that one could be equipped with the skills to live a joyful life despite the craziness in life.
Author: Christopher Lee, B Psych Science (Hons); Masters of Psych (Clinical); MAPS
Christopher Lee is a Brisbane psychologist with a keen interest in helping teenagers and young adults with trauma, behavioural and relational issues. In addition to speaking English, Cantonese and Mandarin fluently, Christopher uses evidence-based therapy techniques such as CBT, ACT, EFT, and DBT.
To make an appointment with Christopher Lee try Online Booking. Alternatively, you can call M1 Psychology Loganholme on (07) 3067 9129 or Vision Psychology Wishart on (07) 3088 5422.
References:
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- Li, Y., Sun, Y., Meng, S., Bao, Y., Cheng, J., Chang, X., Ran, M., Sun, Y., Kosten, T., Strang, J., Lu, L., & Shi, J. (2021). Internet Addiction Increases in the General Population During COVID?19: Evidence From China. The American Journal on Addictions, 30(4), 389–397. Doi:10.1111/ajad.13156
- Zhu, S., Zhuang, Y., Lee, P., Li, J. C.-M., & Wong, P. W. C. (2021). Leisure and Problem Gaming Behaviors Among Children and Adolescents During School Closures Caused by COVID-19 in Hong Kong: Quantitative Cross-sectional Survey Study. JMIR Serious Games, 9(2), e26808–e26808. Doi:10.2196/26808
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