The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on all of our lives. Social distancing, omnipresent facemasks, lost jobs, the inability to connect with loved ones, and overwhelmed hospitals are some of the consequences we’ve all been living with for the past year. But perhaps the biggest impact of the COVID crisis will be its adverse effects on mental health for the infected, frontline healthcare workers, and society in general. A tumultuous mixture of economic uncertainty; anxiety over our health and the health of the people we love; social distancing and the accompanying isolation, loneliness, and alienation; and a sense of the fragility of society, life, and feelings of security have led many to depression and despair. As individuals and societies, we need to prepare ourselves for the mental health crisis which looms on the horizon in 2020.
1) What You Need To Know About COVID-19 and PTSD
As The Economist reported this summer, not since the Second World War have so many people experienced trauma at the same time as during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Studies have shown that COVID survivors and frontline health workers are at extremely high risk for developing PTSD, a condition defined by “intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to experiences that last long after the traumatic event has ended… [the afflicted] may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; they may feel sadness, fear or anger; and they may feel detached or estranged from other people.” If you’ve been diagnosed with PTSD, you may want to explore promising new treatment options like MDMA assisted therapy, or ibogaine therapy.
2) Depression Is On The Rise
During the past year, it has seemed as if every day brought a new batch of bad news. Lost jobs, political turmoil, social isolation, canceled holidays, and profound health concerns can plunge us into an endless spiral of negative thoughts. As a result, more people than ever before are dealing with bleak realities and feelings of hopelessness. A study conducted by researchers at Boston University found that rates of depression among American adults have tripled during the pandemic.
Feeling depressed during times like these isn’t a sign of mental fragility, it is a natural reaction to the circumstances we’re enduring. Experts recommend that we fight back by connecting with others (whether in-person or online), maintaining a daily routine, expressing gratitude, and limiting our consumption of news.
3) If You’re Feeling Anxious, You’re Not Alone
Anxiety is a natural response to the circumstances COVID-19 has put us in. It seems like there’s more to worry about than ever before, and we are inundated with information about all of our concerns from the infinite flood of social media updates. Studies have shown that 1 in 5 adults are in danger of developing an anxiety or mood disorder as the pandemic continues. And these concerns are justified: one recent American study noted that impoverished groups are at greater risk of job loss, which can lead in turn to a loss of health insurance at the worst possible moment.
Even in a moment when your worries are justified, a constant focus on possible misfortunes is a recipe for poor mental health. Experts at the NHS recommend daily mindfulness practice, making sure that you take the time to do things you enjoy, and putting your focus on the aspects of life that you can control as methods for keeping anxiety at bay. Yoga is also an excellent tool for maintaining your physical health while under lockdown, and going to bed rather than staying up late staring at a screen is also extremely beneficial for your mental health.
4) COVID-19 is Disrupting Health Services
While we are faced with immense challenges to our mental well-being, getting the help you need has become infinitely harder during the Covid-19 pandemic. The World Health Organization reports that mental health services have been “disrupted or halted” in 93% of countries around the world. While many developed countries have adopted telemedicine strategies (like our online counseling services and Ibogaine Recovery Movement), poorer nations lack the infrastructure and resources to provide counseling, therapy, medications, and interventions during the crisis. If you or someone you care about is experiencing mental health challenges, we recommend you check what resources are available in your region before the situation reaches a crisis point. It has never been more important to take a proactive approach to mental health challenges!
5) Addiction Is On The Rise
We’ve all heard the jokes about people drinking more alcohol during the pandemic, but underneath the humour there is a darker truth. Many people respond to stressors by self-medicating with substances, and COVID-19 has pushed stress levels through the roof. Psychiatrists have noticed that disasters tend to affect substance use in 3 ways: “(a) changes in levels of drug use—an increase is often seen as a reactive behaviour to negative impact of disasters; (b) a shift to other substances if access to those previously used become limited; (c) a relapse, if they had already recovered from alcohol/drug addiction.”
These changes are particularly troubling for those who are dealing with addiction. Overdoses have been on the rise during the pandemic for a number of reasons. Travel and shipping restrictions have impacted the supply of drugs, forcing many addicts to substitute (risky because their tolerance will be lower to a new substance) or obtain substances that may contain potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl or other additives. Social distancing also means that more addicts are using alone, with no one around to call an ambulance or offer first-aid in the event of an overdose. And for people in recovery, the disruption of routine and the triggers of increased stress, alienation, and depression can lead to relapse.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction issues or mental health concerns at this time, Tabula Rasa Retreat is here to help. We are at the forefront of addiction and mental health treatment, offering ibogaine treatment to counter addiction, and healing ceremonies that tap into the promise of psilocybin therapy. If you think you might need our help to get through this arduous winter, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530