As the Pandemic Surges, Mental Health Problems on the Rise

In the first week of the coronavirus pandemic, people living in the United States underestimated their chances of catching the virus or of getting seriously ill from the virus, according to a recently published study from the California Institute of Technology. But as the pandemic progressed, those same people became more worried about their personal risk, and, as a result, began to increase protective behaviors such as washing hands and social distancing.

A series of more recent groundbreaking studies show that COVID-19 has battered the economy and along with it, the mental health of American workers, setting off a wave of worsening stress issues. People have lost wages, jobs, and loved ones in record speed. And no vaccine is in sight until mid-2021. People are weary, depressed, and burnt out living under self-distancing restrictions. Long after a vaccination is developed and years after the coronavirus death toll is tallied, scientists predict the impact on mental health will linger, continuing to inflict damage if not addressed.

Stress and Burnout

A new national survey of 757 HR professionals by MindEdge Learning and the HR Certification Institute (HRCI) shows that workplace stress and burnout have increased sharply during the pandemic. The study reported that 75% of the respondents reported an increase in burnout due to pandemic stress. And 53% say their companies have introduced new benefits to help employees deal with stress.

Substance Abuse

Another study, published in the journal Psychiatry Research, shows that worry and fear of COVID-19 have amplified the risk of substance abuse. Professor Michael Zvolensky at the University of Houston evaluated a group of 160 participants and found that substance users had the highest levels of COVID-19 worry and fear and those who catastrophize about the pandemic amplify the actual stress impact, increasing their symptoms and creating the possibility for substance abuse.

Multiple Stressors and Media Consumption

A recent study at the University of California at Irvine, published in Science Advances, found a link between people having multiple stressors triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic—such as unemployment and pandemic-related media consumption—and rising acute stress and depression symptoms across the United States. The researchers concluded too much exposure can be overwhelming and lead to more stress, worry, and perceived risks.

Upsetting Dreams

The anxiety, stress, and worry brought on by COVID-19 are not limited to daytime hours. Previous research has suggested that our dreams often reflect what's happening in our waking lives and that other crises—including war, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks—have led to an increase in anxious dreams. According to studies of 3,000 people conducted in May 2020 at Harvard University Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry, the pandemic is infusing more anxiety and negative emotions into dreams and spurring dreams about the virus itself, particularly among women. People who had been most strongly affected by the pandemic—such as those who had gotten sick or lost their job—also reported the strongest effects on their dream life (heightened dream recall, more negative dreams, and more pandemic-related dreams).

Coping Strategies to Improve Mental Health Problems

According to a new Penn State study, researchers recommend the practice of simple coping techniques—like wearing masks, social distancing, and focusing on self-care—that were linked with positive mental health in a study conducted there. The researchers recruited 442 participants between the ages of 18 and 90 for the study. Participants were asked to complete surveys at three points in time: one on April 20, one between May 4 and 8, and one between May 18 and 22. Findings showed that levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were highest at the beginning of the study, at the end of April. By the time the study ended near the end of May—when many states were making plans to reopen—stress levels were lower. Younger people and people with preexisting health conditions were more likely to have negative mental health outcomes. According to the scientists, "social strain"—such as someone making demands, giving criticism, or simply getting on your nerves—was the strongest and most consistent predictor of mental health.

As employers across the globe consider options for bringing workers back to the office, a new Korn Ferry survey of 1,329 professionals shows that even though professionals are not afraid of returning, many will choose to stay at home. The Columbia University study found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents say they are not afraid of returning to the office and 74% feel their colleagues will follow safety guidelines (wearing masks and social distancing). However, 53% say it is either only somewhat likely or not likely that they will return when the offices re-open. The majority of respondents (58%) say they are more productive when working virtually, even if there are distractions such as a spouse and children at home. According to the survey, employers recognize that a virtual work environment or a hybrid approach of working from home and the office may be the new long-term norm. Only 14% say returning to the office every day will be mandatory.

The Good News

Since March 2020, the Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition has tracked the downward spiral of Americans’ mental health catalyzed by the Covid-19 global pandemic. Until now, data presented only troubling news. According to the latest Mental Health Index: U.S. Worker Edition, employees’ risk of depression (up 64%) and general anxiety (up 43%) remain significantly elevated when compared to pre-pandemic. Yet, the risk of general anxiety disorder is stable from August to September and the risk of depression saw a low single-digit 6% increase. Stress and anxiety levels are stabilizing. And risk of PTSD declined 22% from August to September and is approaching February levels–a sign of continued adaptation to the current state of our world.

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In order to build community mental health resilience in the face of the coronavirus, scientists encourage workers to practice coping techniques that have linked to positive mental health: wearing masks, self-care, social distancing, hand-washing, seeking support when needed, and choosing activities that keep us moving forward, such as looking for safe ways to have fun and help others. It's also important to limit extensive exposure to pandemic-related news and conflicting information in the news, which are among the strongest predictors of pandemic-specific acute stress.