The covid19 pandemic has affected every corner of people’s lives. But one aspect of it that's less discussed than it probably should be is how mental health has been affected by the myriad changes that set a domino effect in motion.
Clinical psychologist Peter Weller says there are many layers to the experience of the pandemic with regard to mental health.
“While there are many effects experienced by all of us, we each have a unique experience.”
Weller said considering the personal experience versus focusing solely on the collective experience caused by the pandemic is critical.
The personal vs the collective impact of covid19 on mental health
“There are obvious effects, such as the disruption in routines.”
He said this effect is especially overwhelming because of the unpredictability that comes with the pandemic. Weller said in a time of unpredictability, people naturally want things that will help them feel some degree of control. And so, with the disruption in their work, school or living routines, there is a heightening of the sense of being at risk, vulnerable and not in control.
“We talk about mental health, and we think about the mind. People automatically think of irrational behaviours and out of the norm, when in fact, mental health is actually about wellness and degrees of wellness.”
He said rather than only cases of psychosis (is a condition that affects how the brain processes information), or other chronic issues such as depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation – mental health is really about how well people cope with life and day-to-day stressors.
Weller said too the correlation between mental and physical wellness is often overlooked. Physical health affects mental health and vice versa.
“The mind and body are closely connected, and I think we often forget this when considering how we may be able to cope with the pandemic. The mind is a function of the brain, which has been designed for survival – to identify what puts us at risk so we can avoid it, and what can help us to survive – so we can approach it.”
The nervous system supports the brain’s function of approaching or fleeing stimuli.
“The sympathetic nervous system is what jumps into action when people see anything that is stressful. It raises the ability to be vigilant and to respond, so there are physiological responses, such as changes in blood flow and muscle reaction.”
On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system calms the mind and body. Weller said it helps in rest, rejuvenation and reset at the end of a stressful period.
“What is happening during the pandemic, on a very basic level, is that we are always 'on.' We are vigilant, we are attending, we are worried, concerned, anxious.”
Because there is a mind/body connection, Weller said the inevitable physiological symptoms of stressors result in muscle aches, pain, stomach issues, skin problems and allergies, which are all symptoms of stress and chronic stress.
These are all connected effects of how the limbic system works: the part of the brain i
