The prolonged and heightened levels of anxiety during the pandemic, health-related uncertainties, and economic hardships have created a fertile ground for the development of mental stress. The pervasive fear of getting the virus or losing loved ones and financial hardships has led to excessive worry, restlessness, and even avoidance behaviors. The constant bombardment of distressing news and uncertainty about the future has raised anxiety levels. Individuals predisposed to anxiety-related disorders are finding their symptoms aggravated, and new cases have started emerging among those who had previously been untouched by such concerns.

Moreover, the pandemic’s emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness has triggered obsessive-compulsive behaviors in many individuals. The excessive hand-washing, sanitizing, and fear of contamination have led to debilitating obsessions and compulsions that are disrupting our daily life. Living in a tropical climate, we often suffered from viral infections during certain seasons, even before the pandemic. While we need to treat infections with dealt with caution and proper medical care, the level of panic it is creating nowadays is a matter of concern.

The lack of social interaction during lockdowns and restricted movement for a long span after that has also given rise to a surge in depression. Human connection is a natural need, and its absence can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. The prolonged isolation has left many individuals, especially children, feeling disconnected from the world, exacerbating depressive symptoms. The prolonged isolation also had a pronounced impact on the elderly and individuals already grappling with mental health issues. While lack of access to support systems and increased difficulty in seeking professional help has always been a concern in our society regarding mental health, things have been made worse by non-qualified providers jumping in to serve those going through mental health issues. 

Technology has also been playing an ambiguous role of being our lifeline and a trigger. I have written several blogs on this, so I will keep it short. Excessive screen time, digital addiction, and the constant stream of negative event-related information have led to increased stress and anxiety levels. With work-from-home getting popular, boundaries between work and personal life have blurred, making it challenging to disconnect and relax.

My biggest concern is the impact it has had on children and adolescents. Abrupt school closures disrupted study routines, and limited opportunities for social interaction have impacted their psychological well-being. The sudden shift to online learning has introduced various challenges, including increasing screen time, decreasing physical activity, and creating a sense of disconnection from peers.

But do all the changes in this post-pandemic world hurt our mental well-being? Let us discuss the positive ones in the next blog.