ASK THE THERAPIST

Q. My daughter and I have been diagnosed with anxiety in the last few years. So many people I know are dealing with similar issues. Have you noticed an increase in mental health issues, and if so, can it be linked to COVID-19?

A. I’m sorry to hear that you and your daughter are dealing with anxiety. It’s a challenging situation but one that can be dealt with.

You’re absolutely right—there has been a noticeable increase in mental health issues since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by 25% in the first year of the pandemic and continues to increase. The question is why. Why is it that since the pandemic there are higher rates of anxiety and depression. What has really changed in the ensuing years?

There are several reasons why more people have been struggling with anxiety since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Social Isolation: Lockdowns and social distancing measures led to increased loneliness and a lack of social support, which are key factors in mental health.
2. Financial Stress: Many people faced job losses, reduced income, and financial uncertainty, contributing to heightened anxiety.
3. Uncertainty and Change: The unpredictability of the pandemic, including changing restrictions and news about the virus, created a sense of instability and fear.
4. Grief and Loss: Many people experienced the loss of loved ones, which can lead to prolonged grief and anxiety.

There are other reasons as well, but the one I want to focus on more is the first one, social isolation, which can significantly impact mental health for many reasons.  When people are isolated, they often lack the emotional support and companionship that come from social interactions. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and increased anxiety. Studies have also shown that even short periods of isolation can heighten a person’s sensitivity to perceived threats, leading to increased anxiety. Prolonged social isolation can lead to cognitive decline, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and make it harder to manage stress. Isolated individuals may engage in unhealthy behaviors, such as poor diet and lack of exercise, which can negatively affect mental health. Anxiety can cause people to withdraw from social situations, which in turn can lead to more isolation and further anxiety, creating a vicious cycle.

And where does social isolation come from now that Covid 19 is baruch Hashem over?? Currently, social isolation is associated with our devices. A recent study has shown that higher amounts of screen time are associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression. These data show that many people who use social media extensively experience anxiety. When they are not using social media, they feel anxious and turn to it to relieve that anxiety. However, engaging with social media ends up creating a different form of anxiety, thus trapping them in a cycle. The implications for the mental health of this “double anxiety whammy” are clear- it only adds to the overall negative mental well-being.

These issues, while around pre-COVID, have been exacerbated in the last few years since the onset of COVID-19 and its social isolation. These factors combined to create a perfect storm for increased anxiety and other mental health issues. It’s important to recognize these challenges and seek support when needed. Have you found any particular strategies or resources helpful in managing anxiety during this time? I am a big believer in using mindfulness and relaxation techniques as well as physical activities and healthy habits (including the limited use of your phone!) in order to help yourself feel better, as well as seeking out help to figure out ways to combat your anxiety.