Are people still suffering after the COVID pandemic in 2024?

4 years on from the start of the COVID19 pandemic, and the impact on mental health continues to unfold. The disruptions caused by lockdowns, restrictions, and the disease itself have left lasting scars on many individuals. Here’s a closer examination of these effects and the broader implications that are being seen in society.

Disrupted Educational and Developmental Milestones

Many young people faced disruptions in their educational and social development. Missed exams and crucial transitions, such as moving from school to college, or from college onto university have not only impacted academic progress but also critical periods of personal growth and social interaction. The long-term effects can lead to increased anxiety about prospects and a sense of lost time that might have been used to build essential skills and relationships.

Social Anxiety and Isolation

The quiet and isolation of lockdown were a sanctuary for some, creating a significant shift in how they interact with the world. As restrictions lifted, those who enjoyed the solitude began experiencing heightened social anxiety. The contrast between their personal experiences and the distress experienced by the majority of the population also lead to feelings of guilt.

The Continuous Battle Against Long COVID

Individuals suffering from long COVID often experience chronic physical symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, and pain, which can lead to severe anxiety and depression. The persistent health challenges can make sufferers feel as though their lives will never return to normal, profoundly affecting their mental wellbeing.

Economic Hardship and Mental Stress

The economic impact of the pandemic has been devastating for many. Business owners and individuals who slipped through the cracks of financial support programs have faced significant financial strain. The stress of uncertain income, potential job loss, and the struggle to meet basic needs can exacerbate or lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Families have also faced intense pressure, juggling financial instability with the demands of home life and health concerns.

Even in 2024 and I am still working with people who are feeling the effects of those COVID years: Lockdowns, restrictions, illness and isolation had on their mental health. Here are some examples:

• Young people who missed a crucial year of exams, missed out on the vital transition from high school to university or children who missed out on interactions with grandparents and other family members.
• People who enjoyed the peace and quiet of lockdown who are struggling with social anxiety or the guilt of knowing enjoyment wasn’t everyone's experience.
• Long covid suffers still feeling the effects of physical symptoms causing anxiety and depression and feeling like their lives have changed forever.
• People who were hit hard financially, business owners who fell through the cracks of financial support and families who struggled to cope through money worries.

How do you want to live the rest of your life?

I offer a unique blend of talking therapy, somatic experiences and practical tools. Would you like to find out more, or perhaps you can signpost this info for a friend? I invite you to make this a two way conversation.

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