According to CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) 40% of Canadians report a decline in mental health due to COVID-19. That is an immense number, considering that Canada’s population is over 37 million which means that about 15 million people’s mental health has somehow been affected negatively by COVID-19.
How does COVID-19 affect mental health?
Increase in anxiety and depressive disorders may cause sleeping and eating disorders, increase in alcohol consumption and substance use, which may have been caused by multiple factors related to COVID-19. In many cases anxiety and depressive disorders also worsen chronic illnesses.
Fear is one of the major causes that affects mental health like anxiety and depressive disorders. Due to COVID-19 there’s fear of uncertainty, financial restraints do to loss of job or the possibility of it, fear of loneliness and isolation and the fear of generally feeling stuck.
The senior population is more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19, including death, and consequently has experienced an increased amount of anxiety and depression due to their vulnerability. Other principals that may cause the decline in their mental health could be the isolation and loneliness that are directly linked to COVID-19.
If you or your aging loved one experiences anxiety or any depressive disorders, including suicidal thoughts, speak to your doctor. Also share your feelings with your friends and loved once or whomever is willing to hear. Writing your thoughts down is also proved to abate depressive thoughts and anxiety.
Since this year, the week of May 3rd to May 9th is the national Mental Health Week in Canada feel free to check the mentalhealthweek.ca website, posted by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
If you, or your senior loved one is in need of companion or any assistance during this time please feel free to contact us and find out how we can help.
