Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression Rise Sharply Amid Pandemic, Say Experts

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more commonly found in soldiers who suffer trauma at war. But as the coronavirus pandemic pressures our mental health, psychologists say they see more and more cases in society.

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have been compared to a world war.

“We are living in unprecedented times…We are not fighting a common enemy, the world is at war with a virus,” says Dr. Vasilios Silivistris, clinical psychotherapist, lecturer and counsellor.

Lockdowns, travel restrictions and fear over the virus have taken their toll on society.

“We are stressed, have anxieties and are fearful for our loved ones and ourselves,” adds Dr. Silvistris.

A certain amount of stress can actually benefit us, keeping us alert and aware when needed, but sustained and high levels of stress compromise our resilience.

People who already suffer from mental health issues such as depression face even more problems. Borderline Personality Disorders (BPD) are on the rise, triggered by anger, fear and uncertainty, says Dr. Silvistris.

Stress affects the central nervous system and our respiratory system, our behaviour, thoughts and emotions, he adds. On top of that, stress has a negative impact on our immune systems, triggering opportunistic illnesses such as candida and herpes.

When people turn to alcohol, it can add to depression and is a dangerous drug when used this way, says Dr. Silvistris.

“Hopefully, the vaccine is efficacious and speedily effective in immunising the population so that we can get back to normality sooner rather than later,” he adds.

The future

Uncertainty over the future is a heavy stressor. Clinical psychologist Dr. Kerry Louca foresees that there are going to be long-term psychological effects of COVID-19 and social isolation well into the next decade.

Dr. Louca agrees there is a significant increase in PTSD which affects people years after the traumatic event. Initial research by psychologists found an increase in depressive anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

“The most vulnerable groups include women, young children, healthcare workers and people with pre-existing depressive and substance addictive disorders,” says Dr. Louca.

Our resilience has been undermined by the pandemic which has chaotically upended many aspects of our daily lives and caused feelings of grief and loss, she adds.

“Young children especially are experiencing anxiety and fear, such as a fear of their family members dying and little opportunity to be with their friends to obtain social support that is essential for good mental well-being,” says Dr. Louca.

The collective consciousness

Society as a whole is feeling the pain of uncontrollable events. The number of adults diagnosed with depressive and anxiety disorders has quadrupled, especially amongst women who bear additional workloads in the home.

“Domestic violence towards women has increased globally by 20%. Quarantine measures have led to increased reported post-traumatic symptoms, particularly as a result of job loss and financial struggles and triggered existing mental conditions,” says Dr. Louca.

Outbursts of anger and frustration are more common. These can be seen at all levels of society, in the home, in politics and in civil action.

“Many practitioners report increased levels of alcohol and drug use, and the WHO has noted that Covid-19 has disrupted the mental health services in most countries and paralysed their ability to treat patients,” says Dr. Louca.

In the long term, our mental healthcare institutions must adapt in case of future pandemics so that vulnerable groups can be supported, she says.

If you or anyone you know is suffering from mental health issues, the World Health Organisation’s ‘Doing What Matters’ Guide could help, along with contacting a mental health professional.