As the COVID crisis began, many experts expressed profound concern over the toll which lockdown, social distancing, increased anxiety, and economic uncertainty would have on mental health. Isolation and alienation lead to a host of problems, from depression to substance abuse and addiction, and most of us are feeling more isolated than ever before. Whether from lockdowns, social distancing, masks, or lack of physical contact, we have been driven further away from the sense of connection with others which gives life meaning and warmth. As our bizarre new reality settles in, let’s take a look at how these trends are actually impacting our world.
Mental Health Developments
In the UK, researchers found that lockdowns had a strong negative impact on mental health, with 57% of those participating reporting increased anxiety, and 64% displaying common symptoms of depression. Common causes of worry, stress, and depression were fear of the virus, loneliness, and an inability to think positively. In the US, a CDC survey found that 41% of respondents were struggling with mental health issues during the pandemic. “31% said they’d experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, 26% said they’d experienced trauma or stressor-related disorder symptoms, 13% said they’d started or increased substance use, 11% said they’d seriously considered suicide in the last 30 days.”
Under normal circumstances, approximately 1 in 5 adults, or 20% of the population, are living with a mental health condition, which shows how unprecedented this situation is. It seems that six months of COVID has exponentially increased rates of mental illness, and our health care systems are scrambling to keep up. Dr. Ken Duckworth, chief medical officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, remarked that “you can conclusively say the adults are not alright in America…There’s a mental health crisis resulting from this pandemic.”
As an article in The Economist recently noted, not since World War 2 have so many people been traumatised in such a short span of time. As the article notes, certain groups are much more vulnerable to PTSD than others. In Spain, 1 in 6 of those infected are health care workers, and most of them already show signs of PTSD. In developing countries, incomes have dropped dramatically, like in Bangladesh where the incomes of those near the poverty line dropped by 80% on average when lockdowns were in effect. Among this group, 86% of respondents reported significantly increased stress levels.
The Symbiotic Relationship Between Mental Health And Addiction
We have long known that mental illness and addiction go hand in hand. From Gabor Mate’s theory that addiction is rooted in childhood trauma, to Johann Hari’s ideas that addiction is rooted in a lack of social connection, to a multitude of studies on PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. In fact, studies have shown that approximately 50% of those seeking treatment for substance misuse also meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. When mental illness is coupled with addiction, it’s referred to as Dual Diagnosis, and the data clearly shows that dual diagnosis individuals have more difficulties during treatment, and significantly higher relapse rates than other addicts.
If we accept the hypothesis that trauma, PTSD, and mental illness create a fertile breeding ground for substance abuse and addiction, we have cause for very serious concern. With millions around the globe exposed to trauma, isolated from their loved ones, and suffering from stress and anxiety it seems likely that the third wave of the COVID virus will be addiction rather than infection.
For those already battling addiction, the mental health challenges brought about by the pandemic will also have serious consequences. Stress and anxiety are two of the most powerful triggers for substance use, and there is no doubt that the pandemic has increased levels of both for vulnerable populations. Rosemary Rooney, an addictions counselor at Davina’s Ark in Northern Ireland, reports that her center has lost clients to relapse, as well as lockdown, over the past few months. As Rooney notes, the pandemic “ leaves them in a very vulnerable place. A lot of them were going through counselling for previous traumas and this is another trauma.”
America is also seeing an increase in relapses. Dayry Hulkow, M.S., a therapist at Arete Recovery in Florida, notes that relapses have been increasing since the Spring. As Hulkow notes, “social support and active involvement in the program both play a huge role in recovery. In the absence of these, ‘isolation’ and ‘emotional distress’ can be significant ‘triggers’ to relapse.”
And with a drug supply that seems deadlier than ever before, more addicts using alone due to social distancing restrictions, and the increased risk of overdose for addicts whose tolerance has dramatically dropped during recovery, this is a recipe for disaster. We are already seeing significant increases in overdose numbers during the pandemic. There has never been a deadlier time to use drugs in general, and opioids in particular.
What Can Be Done?
As psychologists have noted, in the event of disasters, “received support” (facemasks, tins of soup, etc.) is actually less beneficial than “perceived support” (feeling that one can rely on neighbours, governments, etc.). So making small efforts to help out and connect with others, like offering to buy groceries or deliver meals to struggling friends and neighbours can go a long way. Perceived support is also massively important for those in recovery, for whom a phone call, video chat, or expression of love and support could be life changing.
In treating both mental health issues and addiction, building and maintaining meaningful connections with others is absolutely essential. The sense of isolation which the pandemic, and our responses to it have created needs to be addressed. Whether by video-conferencing, socially distanced meet-ups, phone calls, or any other means, we must maintain connection or risk worsening the trauma, anxiety, and depression created by the COVID crisis. If you are interested in exploring ibogaine to treat PTSD or addiction, or if you just feel the need to chat with a sympathetic and experienced counselor, get in touch with Tabula Rasa Retreat today!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530