COVID Depression Now Affects Millions of Americans

As the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, more mental health professionals are noticing that the rates of mental illness in the United States are continuing to increase. For many people, including those in our St. Cloud, Florida community, that means grappling with COVID depression. But why does COVID have such an impact on mental health? And what can we do to address it?

Your mental health during these times is more important than ever. At the Blackberry Center, we are dedicated to providing safe, quality care during the coronavirus pandemic and beyond. We believe that your happiness should not be put on hold. Continue reading to learn more about your treatment options for COVID depression and other mental health conditions below.

COVID-19’s Impact on Mental Health

A recent study through Boston University has concluded that one in four people in the United States now experience depression symptoms. This is three times higher than the prevalence of depressive episodes before the COVID-19 pandemic. As this study proves, COVID-19 has had a significant (and negative) impact on mental health.

Not only are those with pre-existing mental health conditions finding it much more challenging to cope with the symptoms, but people who have never experienced mental illness are suddenly finding themselves struggling with coronavirus depression symptoms as well.

There are a few different explanations as to why this is the case. First and foremost, we must look at the introduction of COVID-19 stressors in our everyday lives. This virus makes people think more about public health and their own safety. Now, even just going to the grocery store comes with a list of “what ifs” and worries. Are you safe enough? Are you keeping others safe? And is going out even worth the risk?

This adds a lot of stress to your daily routine, which then leads to symptoms of mental health conditions like depression. In addition to this, the pandemic has introduced stressors such as:

• Job loss
• Loss of health insurance
• The need to stay at home
• Social isolation
• Frequent COVID updates on social media
• The risk of falling ill

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the ways that we socialize, work, and enjoy ourselves—it makes sense that this adjustment would come with some consequences. You probably feel a lot more anxiety when leaving the house now. You also may have faced some hardships as countless businesses had to close their doors temporarily or permanently. And let’s face it: virtual social hangouts don’t feel the same.

What’s most challenging to a lot of people in the United States is facing social isolation. Being unable to see friends, family members, coworkers, etc. can make you feel as though you are completely alone in your struggles. As a result, you are left to cope with the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and even the urges of addiction without your usual support system around you.

But all this being said, there are still resources available to you and your mental health needs even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health treatment facilities around the country are still up and running, and they’re ready to help you today.

COVID Depression Symptoms

Before you can treat depression and other mental health concerns, you must first be able to recognize the symptoms. However, this has become challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the pandemic, mental health professionals were able to spot the symptoms of depression from further away because they were disruptive in a person’s daily life. Now, it’s not so easy.

For example, if someone who was normally very social and attending gatherings each weekend suddenly stopped seeing friends, this could be a pretty clear indication of depression. But in COVID times, this social change is a much more common occurrence. Therefore, it’s harder to tell if somebody is simply facing the consequences of social isolation or if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID depression.

That being said, some common symptoms of depression include:

• Chronic feelings of sadness, numbness, and/or anxiety
• Displeasure in doing things you like to do
• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
• Body aches and fatigue
• Thoughts of hopelessness
• Addiction to drugs or alcohol
• Thoughts or plans of suicide

Have you experienced any of the symptoms listed above? If so, you might be struggling with depression. Remember, depression is not a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. There are different types of depression that can greatly impact the way you function on a day-to-day basis. Each type of depression requires specialized treatment, especially when you have co-occurring disorders.

Finding mental health professionals to assess you and provide treatment options is essential under the stress of this virus. The COVID depression rates truly emphasize just how prevalent this condition is throughout the United States, but the truth is that not enough people are getting the help that they need.

This is why sharing your experiences with a mental health professional is essential in getting you the right mental health treatment. Maybe you’ll choose to start with an online mental health screening for depression and other disorders can lead you toward recovery. Most importantly, please know that even though the coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the course of our lives, nobody should have to suffer through the symptoms of depression and other mental health conditions without help.

Treatment for COVID Depression in Florida

As the prevalence of depression symptoms in Americans continues to grow, it becomes more urgent than ever to find treatment for your own mental health conditions. We’re here to help you make it through the pandemic without feeling as though the world is on your shoulders.

Having a variety of treatment approaches can greatly improve your recovery experience. After all, your treatment should be unique to your individual needs. The treatment program you go through will depend on your symptoms, diagnoses, and if you have co-occurring disorders. For example, if you experience addiction and depression, you will benefit most from a program that addresses both concerns.

At the Blackberry Center in St. Cloud, Florida, we are proud to offer mental health and addiction services such as:

• Medication evaluation and management
• Group therapy
• Family education
• Recreational therapy
• Discharge planning

We use the effective, evidence-based treatment approaches explained above to ease the pain of depression, anxiety, substance use, and other mental health conditions. Through our programs, you have access to all of our services in a calm and safe environment. Here, you will be able to focus solely on your own recovery so that when you leave your program, the COVID-19 stressors will seem much more manageable.

Find peace in recovery during these unpredictable times by calling 888-512-9802 or filling out our online confidential form today. No matter how our world continues to change, we will always be here to give you the support you need.

The post COVID Depression Now Affects Millions of Americans appeared first on The Blackberry Center of Central Florida.

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Original Author: The Blackberry Center