The Increase in Mental Illness During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coronavirus pandemic is a difficult time for everyone, especially for those who had to live under new circumstances. We were all placed under a new level of stress and worry and had little to no way of seeking help for destressing. According to the CDC study, they found out that during June 2021, 40.9% of the 5,470 participants reported an adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety and depression. These numbers are higher in poorer communities as they lacked resources and did not have access to the same resources. Many celebrities and millionaires had the luxury of having pools and big yards to go out to, some even rented private islands. All activities which someone from the poor side of new york would not be able to participate in. Covid was more difficult on those less fortunate, where the rich were able to get rapid tests every day to continue with their everyday life, we were at home fighting over toilet paper. Although all the events I talked about seem irrational at another time, it makes perfect sense to those who had to be locked in a 2 bedroom apartment with 2 young siblings. The coronavirus is a big stressor for many, as there was a loss of jobs, kids aren’t going to school, and many local shops and restaurants were closing. When the human brain is introduced to something it does not know how to work around yet, it causes emotions that lead to anxiety and depression which can become a long-term illness for some. It is now important that we create resources