Pandemic Linked to Depression

Pandemic
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to depression in many Americans. Those hardest hit are the people who were barely making ends meet even before the pandemic. People with lower incomes and those with fewer savings are more likely to experience depression.

It is close to impossible to start a new career or get a sustainable job during these times. Major retailers and restaurants have been forced to close their doors and businesses have been unable to survive the economic downturn. People are feeling depressed and hopeless because there does not appear to be an end in sight.

There is no escaping the depressing feelings caused by the pandemic. People cannot travel to another state to avoid the ubiquitous virus. So many have lost loved ones to a virus they just learned about within the last 6-8 months. It is depressing and heartbreaking. On top of dealing with trying to not get infected, people have to figure out how they are going to maintain their basic needs — food, clothing, and shelter.

Being confined to one’s home and unable to come in direct contact with others, contradicts the human spirit. Coming together and fellowshipping is an act that uplifts people, especially in times of despair. The CDC reports:

Thoughts of suicide, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse have been reported by a significant number of Americans.

The rates of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic are also reportedly higher than those experienced after other large-scale traumas like September 11, Hurricane Katrina, and the Hong Kong unrest.

Dr. Sandro Galea, an epidemiologist and dean of the School of Public Health at Boston University, fears another “pandemic of depression” is approaching due to the after-effects of COVID-19.

Written by Sheree Bynum
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware

Source:

NPR: Pandemic’s Emotional Hammer Hits Hard; Rhitu Chatterjee

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Emilee Grace’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons

Share:

Send Us A Message