The COVID-19 pandemic will undoubtedly have far-reaching after-effects which could cause an unprecedented surge in the diagnoses of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and emotional trauma.
Nothing like this virus has ever before affected so many people, in so many different ways, all at the same time.
COVID-19, PTSD and Emotional Trauma
PTSD is a mental health condition caused by difficulties in recovering from witnessing or experiencing a frightening event. Some symptoms of PTSD may include but are not limited to: fear, depression, anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares or insomnia.
PTSD affected about 3.6 percent of the population in 2019, but due to the coronavirus outbreak, that number is estimated to rise significantly following the course of this pandemic.
Alongside PTSD is the emotional trauma many are likely to struggle with due to such factors as social distancing, quarantines, and shelter in place orders. Not only is the state of our world uncertain financially, but also in regards to the health, safety, and welfare of ourselves and loved ones.
As quoted in an article on www.cnbc.com, Yuval Neria stated, “The scale of this outbreak as a traumatic event is almost beyond comprehension.” Neria went on to say that not even September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks or World War II are adequate comparisons to the anxiety this current pandemic is causing. The terrorist attacks and WWII were at least limited by geography, whereas in the current situation, there are no boundaries.
Those who already deal with the likes of anxiety, PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Bipolar Disorder, unresolved trauma, addiction, etc. could also see a spike in their symptoms.
For example, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) explains the following in regards to the current situation’s effects on those who struggle with BPD:
“The perception of impending separation, rejection or the loss of external structure can lead to profound changes in self-image, affect and cognition behavior. These individuals are very sensitive to environmental circumstances.”
With the implementation of social distancing, homeschooling, and upending future plans, such changes in one’s external environment could severely impact their symptoms.
Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children
Feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression amid this outbreak, along with being “confined”, so to speak, can not only take its toll on the adult population but children as well.
The one factor agreed upon by many is this:
Children are resilient.
Throughout history, it has been documented that many children have survived a pandemic, natural disaster, war, etc. with profound short term effects, but have the resiliency to rebound over a long term period.
Much of this will depend, however, on the scope of what happens within their own families and communities.
As stated in an article by Patrick A. Coleman, “Children look to adults for cues on how to react. The more calm and collected caregivers are, the more calm and collected kids are likely to be. It also helps when schedules and routine offer some semblance of stability — regular bedtimes and mealtimes make a difference.”
This is not always an easy task with the additional struggles of sheltering in place, working from home, homeschooling or many who have also been laid off or find themselves unemployed, yet part of a child’s reaction to these events will hinge on the reactions they see from those adult figures in their lives.
The stress of this current situation, however, will be more pronounced in some than others. Sleep disturbances, increased worry/anxiety, or changes in habits/behavior (such as outbursts or withdrawing) are a few things to be on the lookout for signs a child may be struggling with.
You Are Not Alone
Though the after-effects of this pandemic will be felt far into the future, we have the capabilities to not only help ourselves but for others throughout these trying times.
Checking up on friends and family, watching out for signs of depression, anxiety or struggling not only within one’s immediate family, but neighbors as well can be beneficial to those who may be in need of help but have a difficult time in asking for it.
The sooner one can begin to receive the necessary assistance, the more likely they are to work through these stressors/anxieties and also have a greater chance of recovering from a diagnosis such as PTSD.
Just remember that you are not alone. We are all in this together and together we have the capabilities to overcome.
Writer, poet, designer, crafter, and mental health advocate. I have encountered struggles throughout life with addiction, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. I no longer identify with the above struggles, however, as I refuse to be defined by a disorder, disease or diagnosis. It is through the guidance of an anxiety coach in which I continue the healing of both my mental and physical health, while in the process supporting others along their own path towards recovery.