We humans live by our own system, our plans, our way of structuring time – in other words, by routine and habit. We need regular social contact and a certain amount of security. Yet the things that are normally part of our quality of life found no place during the corona crisis. Suddenly it became impossible to see the people close to us, to follow our habits and to say with any confidence what the future would bring. How this affects our psyche has already been examined in studies of the psychological consequences of the corona crisis. How can you help yourself in this period, which is a hard one for many? Read more about it in this article.
The corona pandemic: studies of the psychological effects
Since we are still in the middle of the corona crisis, even though there have been some relaxations, there are as yet no results on the long-term psychological effects of the corona crisis. There are, however, studies of the impact of quarantine and restrictions on our mental health. For example, there is a study by Danube University Krems and the Austrian Federal Association for Psychotherapy (ÖBVP) that shows a marked rise in mental health problems.
The ÖBVP found that only two weeks after the state of emergency was introduced, 70% of psychotherapists' patients had noticed negative consequences of the measures against COVID-19. These were loneliness, fear and isolation; 16.3% noted both positive and negative consequences, and only 8.5% noticed no change. Patients felt that their psychological problem had become worse. On top of that, traumas and neuroses that had been thought worked through came back.
The study of the psychological impact of the corona measures showed that loneliness, fear and isolation from the family are the most frequent triggers. Many are also worried about their financial and economic future. The information came from 1,547 licensed psychotherapists in Austria.
Studies of the psychological consequences of the corona crisis for young people
Another study, carried out by the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), addressed the question of how the corona pandemic affects the mental health of children and adolescents. 1,000 children and young people aged 11 to 17 and 1,500 parents of children aged 7 to 17 were surveyed.
No hugs, less touch, fewer contacts – our social life has changed considerably since the corona pandemic began. That tells on the psyche too. Young people suffer most from the consequences of self-isolation: they are lonelier, more depressed and more listless than older people. Scientists explain this by the fact that before the pandemic began young people were used to more intensive everyday social contact, and have now lost it abruptly.
A rise in depression and anxiety disorders
Drawing on international studies which have shown that anxiety disorders, depression and stress in young people increase during a crisis, scientists assume the following: since the corona crisis leads to changes in social life, it will also lead to a decline in quality of life and health. In addition, further measures against the coronavirus may lead to still more mental health problems.
Careers and corona: an overview
The Chamber of Labour (AK) of Upper Austria produced the following findings on careers: many respondents were worried about their livelihood, even where measures such as working from home and short-time work had been introduced. Parents (especially of school-age children) felt more strained by working from home. 53% said they were under stress. Those with no children found working from home calmer than working in the office.
An international study: the problem of the pandemic
An international study carried out by the occupational health academy DPFA-bildung GmbH showed that more than half (55%) of the participants found the corona pandemic difficult. Even so, they were positive, in the sense that there is a way out of the situation. 48% saw the corona crisis as a threat. 40% experienced quarantine as a burden. The biggest problems were the lack of physical contact and of sleep, and heavy “consumption” of the media.
For introverts the pandemic brings less stress
An ongoing long-term study by Leipzig University has also produced the interim finding that different personalities are affected to different degrees by the contact restrictions during the pandemic. “Introverted and emotionally stable people experience the pandemic as less stressful than extraverted and neurotic people,” said the head of the study, Professor Hannes Zacher, an industrial psychologist at Leipzig University. As part of the study, almost 600 participants were surveyed repeatedly between April and September 2020. According to Zacher, introverts have a clear advantage in the crisis. In ordinary times, however, extraverts were doing better than introverts. A high level of emotional stability is in itself a favourable quality, and it gives a particular advantage during a crisis. Extraverts, he said, are sociable, active and talkative, while introverts tend to be reserved, independent and fond of being on their own. Emotionally stable people are calm, relaxed and secure, whereas neurotics tend to be anxious, nervous and unsure of themselves. Besides these two pairs of characteristics, the study examined three other central traits: conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness. These, however, would not affect stressful situations connected with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus: psychological tips for coming out of the crisis
To reduce the impact on mental health, it is worth seeking psychosocial support. With a specialist alongside you, you will learn to cope with your helplessness and your isolation. If you are suffering badly from the corona crisis, get in touch with someone straight away. Online counselling can also prevent mental health problems. Its advantages: easy access and flexibility.
If that option is not for you, then remember what once gave you pleasure – what activity or hobby absorbed you so much that you forgot about everything and gave yourself over completely to the process of creating? Now is exactly the time to go back to it! It will give you resources, recharge your battery, add strength and, of course, lift your mood!
