Most of us are by now aware of the tremendous pressure the coronavirus is placing on our mental health. The virus and our country’s attempts to mitigate its spread have disrupted the social, economic, professional and emotional security of most Americans. My clinical and anecdotal experience suggests that most people with significant mental health challenges have experienced a worsening of symptoms since the virus’ outbreak.
Perhaps more common is inaccessibility of ordinary self-care practices underpinning many people’s well-being, resulting in more stress and even overwhelm.
The factors contributing to this parallel “mental health outbreak” are altogether understandable. As mammals, human beings are wired to find safety and well-being through social engagement, in particular through communal activity, physical proximity and touch. The necessary practice of “social distancing” to curb the virus’ spread unfortunately deprives us of the very experience most vital to our health--connection with each other.
Persons suffering from depression, traumatic stress, and attachment disruptions, for example, are vulnerable to feeling even more painfully isolated and alone right now. Those susceptible to anxiety and tension will likely find it even harder to feel relaxed and safe. Parents may find themselves overwhelmed with the task of supporting their family with children at home from school and childcare resources almost nonexistent. Deprived of interaction with peers and even more tied to their screens, older children and teenagers are perhaps the most at-risk demographic during social distancing. Lastly, the coronavirus outbreak has been aptly described as a lucid “nightmare” for persons suffering from OCD.