How COVID-19 Impacted Mental Health After 1 Year
Loneliness, Anxiety, PTSD: How COVID-19 Altered Our Mental Health and 10 Ways to Cope
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"More than ever before, people are interested in seeking mental health treatment," said Spear. She attributed it to two things: the increase in mental health issues during the pandemic and social media helping to decrease the stigma around mental health.
And as Enzor pointed out, "the effects of the lockdown have been felt differently" across different genders, races, ages and socioeconomic statuses. Symptoms of "serious psychological distress" have been reported across the board, said Lisa Smusz, LPC, principal and owner of The Social Changery, but young people and people of colour are among those hit the hardest. "Optimal mental health, which is essential to healthy communities, should be a human right," she said. "But because of cost, a fragmented system of care, and social stigma still associated with mental and substance use disorders, most people do not receive treatment."
What to do: While correcting these types of disparities takes long-term change, you can also help by raising awareness of the problem, publicizing resources, and by putting your own mental health first. (Here's a list of mental health resources for BIPOC people to get you started.)