The COVID-19 pandemic has far-reaching implications for our daily lives, including our mental health. As the world adjusted to the ‘new normal’ of social distancing and changes to our daily routines, we felt increased anxiety and stress.
The global health crisis has changed our lives in ways that we could have never imagined. It has caused unprecedented economic and social disruption. As the pandemic evolves, we must understand its psychological effects and how to cope best.
Reasons why the pandemic has increased the demand for mental health counselors
The coronavirus pandemic has increased the demand for mental health counselors. Counseling has always been an essential service in society, but its significance becomes more evident in times of crisis. People had to deal with overwhelming emotions, financial difficulties, and lost connections due to isolation during the pandemic. Many people are also struggling to open up and readjust to the world. This leads to loneliness, among other challenges.
If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a mental health counselor, you should look into enrolling in a course. For those who are already working in mental health counseling and want to advance their career, an online master’s degree in mental health counseling from St. Bonaventure University is an excellent choice.
In the sections below, we look at the reasons why the pandemic has increased the demand for mental health counselors.
Couples are experiencing more conflict
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a number of changes to people’s daily lives. One of these changes was that many couples struggled to spend time together. Also, the effects of the pandemic, such as job losses, financial concerns, and other worries, resulted in people experiencing stress. Under such conditions, people were more likely to lose their temper, leading to more arguments with their loved ones.
With fewer opportunities to socialize outside the home, couples spend all of their time together. This led to frustration and a lack of personal space for many people and caused tensions in their relationships.
To address such issues, many couples are turning to counseling. A counselor can help couples learn healthy communication techniques, manage their stress and anxiety, and navigate changes to their daily routines. With the proper support, couples can emerge from this crisis stronger.
Mental health issues are on the rise
The pandemic brought numerous challenges as many people struggled due to financial difficulties, job losses, isolation, and general uncertainty about the future. The economic effects post-pandemic include rising commodity prices as businesses try to recuperate the money lost during the crisis. This has meant that many people’s mental health has taken a severe hit.
Mental health experts and counselors have become an essential lifeline for those who are struggling to cope with the psychological impacts of the pandemic. The demand for mental health support is rising, especially for those already suffering from pre-existing mental health issues.
Countless people need mental health support but are unable or unwilling to seek it out. To address this challenge, governments, organizations, and the general public must work together to destigmatize mental health and create safe spaces for people to speak out about their struggles.
Unemployment is high
Unemployment has been a significant contributor to the surge in demand for mental health counselors.
This has increased the demand for mental health counselors, who provide the support to help people navigate this difficult period. Counselors provide a safe space for individuals to express their frustrations, fears, and anxieties, and work with them to develop effective coping mechanisms.
People are struggling with addiction
The pandemic has changed the way that we live, work, and socialize, leaving many feeling overwhelmed. However, while focusing on economic recovery after the pandemic, we must not forget the toll it is taking on people who are struggling with addiction.
Attending support group meetings and therapy sessions has become a challenge for those who need them the most. The isolation that comes with physical distancing makes it even more challenging for those in recovery to access the help and support they need.
At the same time, many people who hadn’t previously struggled with addiction may have turned to alcohol or drugs to cope with the various stresses. Economic insecurity, social isolation, and constant worrying news can overwhelm anyone. In this context, turning to drugs or alcohol can be a quick fix, providing a temporary sense of relief.
These challenges are why the demand for addiction counselors has increased. Addiction counselors offer support and guidance, assisting people in navigating the ups and downs of recovery and providing strategies for maintaining sobriety.
Stress management
With so many changes and uncertainties surrounding the pandemic, people have become more stressed. The government’s response to the outbreak has also been a significant source of frustration for many.
Stress management is vital in dealing with the consequences of the pandemic, as we all face various changes in our daily lives, such as homeschooling, work-related changes, job losses, health concerns, and more.
The impact of the pandemic on mental health
Below, we look at the impacts of the pandemic on mental health.
Isolation and loneliness
The pandemic forced those affected to spend more time alone, physically and mentally. The majority of the world has seen a massive decline in health since the pandemic. Most of the population is physically and emotionally stressed.
The decline in mental health is primarily blamed on isolation, highlighted as the leading cause behind people being depressed and feeling lonely.
If you are still struggling with such feelings, there are things that you can do to help yourself. Since people can meet now, you can try to attend social gatherings with friends, even if it’s virtual. Consider setting up video chats or phone calls with people you care about. You can also join online support groups or participate in virtual events.
Anxiety and depression
People in many different groups are experiencing increased levels of anxiety and depression. However, some people are experiencing extreme depression.
A primary source of anxiety and depression among many people is the fear of becoming severely ill with the virus again. This is especially the case among individuals who are elderly or have underlying health conditions. Other causes of anxiety and depression include fear of job loss and financial worries.
Grief
During the pandemic, people could not grieve properly for their loved ones due to the social distancing regulations. This has led to a heightened level of prolonged and complex grief.
The grief is not only because of the sheer number of COVID-19 cases and deaths but also due to the social isolation and the disruption of customary mourning practices and grieving processes experienced worldwide.
Grieving abnormally can seriously affect an individual’s life and potentially result in mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorder. This has required counselors to deal with people with mental health struggles who weren’t properly aided during the pandemic due to closures in clinics and other measures implemented. Counselors help the patient work through their grief and the effects of the disrupted grieving process.
Increased use of alcohol and drugs
The fear of catching the virus, losing a loved one, and losing a job caused considerable stress and anxiety to many people. As a result, many individuals turned to substances to cope, which has led to addiction and a cycle of abuse.
Many people who contracted the virus were forced to work from home or could not see family and friends as often. This led to loneliness and depression, which they temporarily relieved by alcohol or drugs. Some of them became addicts, and even after the pandemic, they still use these substances.
It is important to understand that using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress or loneliness may provide temporary relief but can end up causing more harm than good. It’s essential to seek other ways to cope with these emotions, such as exercising, meditation, or contacting a therapist.
Virtual support groups are available where people can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. While it’s understandable to want to find temporary relief, it’s crucial to recognize the potential long-term harm and to seek out healthier coping mechanisms.
Poor nutrition
While social distancing and isolation for the affected were essential in slowing the spread of the virus, it also meant that many people had been cut off from the support systems and routines that kept them healthy.
As a result, it was increasingly difficult for many people to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, leading to nutritional deficiencies and, in some cases, worsening mental health outcomes. The closure of gyms and other fitness facilities made it challenging for many people to stay physically active.
We can find ways to stay physically active, such as taking regular walks outside, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, and participating in workout classes, as the world readjusts after the crisis. By prioritizing our well-being, we can better navigate these challenging times and emerge healthier on the other side.
Lack of sleep
The stress and anxiety of living through a pandemic can be incredibly taxing on our bodies and minds. This anxiety can lead to trouble sleeping, creating a cycle of even more stress and less sleep.
Beyond that, many of our daily routines were completely upended during the pandemic. With remote work, homeschooling, and social distancing measures all impacting our lives in various ways, it can be challenging to maintain the regular sleep schedules that we may have previously relied upon as we returned to them after the pandemic.
Maintaining some semblance of a routine, prioritizing rest when possible, and managing stress and anxiety will positively impact our health.
Compassion fatigue
Compassion fatigue is a condition of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion resulting from the demands of working with or treating those in distress or suffering. It is burnout caused by stress and overexposure to difficult situations.
The COVID-19 pandemic put immense pressure on healthcare professionals, frontline workers and essential service providers, and as a result, many were struck by compassion fatigue. These individuals worked tirelessly to help others in need, leaving them feeling drained and demotivated.
This has led to a demand for counselors to help people within the healthcare workforce overcome these mental health struggles. There is also a demand from people in the wider community, especially with the continued stress caused by hospital backlogs, which are the result of canceled procedures during the pandemic.
Uncertainty
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals had to grapple with their fear of the unknown. The loss of jobs and the crashing economy contributed to people’s unease and anxiety.
People have always struggled with uncertainty, but it has never been so present and ever-changing as it is now. It has become harder to plan for the future, making it challenging for individuals to stay optimistic about what lies ahead.
The constant fear and unpredictability during the pandemic have resulted in heightened anxiety levels, even among individuals who are not typically susceptible to these conditions.
Despite the overwhelming uncertainty, we must remind ourselves to focus on what we can control. Maintaining a routine, eating well, sleeping adequately, and seeking professional help are all factors that we can take charge of. As the future remains uncertain following the reopening of the pandemic, we must strive to create a sense of certainty for ourselves.
Changes in eating habits
The disruption to daily life caused many people to experience changes in their eating habits. For example, many people started eating out more, consuming food for comfort, and eating foods that are high in sugar.
Meanwhile, others may have reduced their food intake or developed eating disorders. Therefore, counselors are now having to work with these patients to aid them through their recovery.
The repercussions of the disruption to daily life not only affect people’s mental health but also their physical health.
Some people develop compulsive binge eating disorders. The development of an eating disorder can lead to weight gain, changes to eating habits, and increased medication use. Those with an eating disorder may also, for instance, feel guilty for eating all day and gaining weight.
Strained relationships
The pandemic forced many people into prolonged isolation and social distancing. This was challenging for those accustomed to social interaction, as the absence of human connection can lead to loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
The inability to see friends and family members in person, combined with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic, has created a toxic brew of emotions that has strained many of our most important relationships.
Couples suddenly had to stay at home, which may have led to them bickering over petty things or struggling to communicate effectively.
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, it is important to remember that there are things that we can do to support our relationships during these difficult times. Maintaining open lines of communication is critical, whether this means setting aside time to connect with loved ones or having frank conversations with coworkers and bosses about our professional needs.
Final thoughts
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in the demand for mental health counselors. People are experiencing more anxiety, stress, and mental health issues due to the effects of the health crisis.
Seeking support from mental health professionals, staying connected with loved ones, and prioritizing self-care can go a long way to managing our mental health. The delay in treatment due to closures and measures set out during the pandemic has led to a demand for counselors to aid people with their mental health problems. With the world reopened and people seeking help, counselors are there to provide care, support, and assistance with problems caused during the pandemic.
