The COVID-19 Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety Affect More Than Just Those Who Caught The Virus. When and How to Seek Help.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of many people for the first time and also created new barriers for people with existing mental health changes. The threat of the pandemic goes far beyond the virus itself.  From isolation to stress and worry over the unknown, digital burnout, financial hardship, loss of loved ones, remote school/work, lack of social interaction, loss of experiences, reduced exercise, difficulty seeing doctors for regular ailments, increased alcohol and/or substance consumption, and the many other negative impacts of a pandemic- therapy is more essential today than ever before.  

You Are Not Alone

If you are feeling the impact of the pandemic, and resulting economic recession, it’s important to know that you are not alone.  Consider the following:

• 41.1% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety disorder and/or depressive disorder in January 2021, as opposed to 11% who reported them in January of 2019.   

• 35.8% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic

• 28.4% of adults reported symptoms of depressive disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic

Certain groups were affected by the pandemic in different ways, some disproportionately. For example:

• Young adults (ages 18-24) have experienced school-closures, loss of income, and loss of experiences.  56% of young adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder.  https://covidstates.org/reports (Report #23)

• Many people who were already at high-risk for substance abuse or mental health disorders did not receive treatment.

• People who experienced job loss and economic hardship had increased risk for mental illness, low self-esteem and suicide.  Research shows higher rates of mental illness in those with income loss (53% vs. 32%)

• Essential workers reported symptoms of depression and anxiety (42% vs. 30%), starting or increasing substance use (25% vs. 11%) and suicidal thoughts (22% vs. 8%) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How do you know if and when you should seek help?

Knowing when to seek help is critical for the treatment of mental health challenges and preventing them from getting worse.   The first step to getting help from a trained therapist is knowing when it’s time to do so.  The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) lists symptoms for depression.

Symptoms of depression can include any of the following:

• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, including sex

• Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

• Low appetite and weight loss or overeating and weight gain

• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts

• Restlessness, irritability

• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders and pain for which no other cause can be diagnosed.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of mounting depression and/or anxiety during the pandemic, then do not wait to call and seek help.  

About Us

The licensed clinical psychologists at Groundwork Therapy have extensive experience providing psychotherapy to adolescents, adults and couples. We welcome individuals of all genders, sexualities and cultural backgrounds. We are located at 1000 Dean St, Suite 226 in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY.