"Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has profound psychological and social effects. The psychological sequelae of the pandemic will probably persist for months and years to come. Studies indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression and insomnia in the general population and among healthcare professionals. Social isolation, anxiety, fear of contagion, uncertainty, chronic stress and economic difficulties may lead to the development or exacerbation of depressive, anxiety, substance use and other psychiatric disorders in vulnerable populations including individuals with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and people who reside in high COVID-19 prevalence areas." - (Source: pubmedncbinlmnihgov)

"The impact of the Covid pandemic may have been so deep that it altered people’s personalities, according to research. Previously psychologists have failed to find a link between collective stressful events, such as earthquakes or hurricanes, and personality change. However, something about the losses experienced or simply the long grind of social isolation appears to have made an impact." - (Source: theguardian)

Covid psychosis

I have been touched by mental illness. I couldn't go out for the first year and a half in the pandemic. My twin was worse affected than me. When you look at the pandemic, it's not hard to see just how much the decisions that have been made for us, have fuelled a psychosis. It's not difficult to see how the pandemic has changed mental health psychosis on a global stage.

Covid psychosis is not recognisable

Covid psychosis is not recognisable, it's not spoken about. I came across an article of a man's wife who had no history of mental health issues until she caught Covid and that sent her into a psychosis that she never came out of. She eventually went on to take her own life. (Source: thetimes)

Covid psychosis may be a new phenomenon

Mental illness has been exacerbated by the pandemic, and Covid psychosis may be a new phenomenon that we need to address as a society. It's important to recognize that mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of their background or previous history, and that we need to provide better support and resources for those who are struggling. As we continue to navigate this difficult time, we must prioritise mental health alongside physical health and work to create a more compassionate and understanding world for all.

In Summary

In summary, the Covid pandemic has had significant psychological and social effects on both the general population and healthcare professionals, including increased distress, anxiety, fear of contagion, depression, and insomnia. Vulnerable populations, including those with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and those living in high Covid-prevalence areas, may be at greater risk of developing or exacerbating psychiatric disorders. Additionally, recent research suggests that the pandemic may have altered people's personalities, possibly due to the losses experienced or prolonged periods of social isolation.

Ilana Estelle is a mental health and wellbeing advocate who combines educational insight with her personal experience of living with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. She holds diplomas in Counselling, Diet and Nutrition, Nutritional Therapy, Psychotherapy and Counselling, and Stress Management. Through her writing, Ilana supports others in navigating their emotional, mental, and physical health challenges. In addition to writing for The CP Diary, her work has appeared in healthy lifestyle magazines. Ilana is also the author of three books: Cerebral Palsy: A Story – Finding the Calm After the Storm, Spirituality, Healing and Me, and Survival: The Covid Years – Time for Change.

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2 comments on “Covid-19 and Changes in the Brain”

  1. I have definitely seen it happen especially with my fiance, who hasn't gone out of the house very much for the past 3 years due to Covid.

    I grew up with a mother who was an extreme hypochondriac, so Now that I think of it, that's probably why the pandemic hasn't bothered me, as I grew up dealing with stress and chaos over every little thing.

    My whole life was spent preparing for this kind of thing so for me, this is my norm.

    1. Thanks Randy. I grew up with some form of chaos, but with autism this experiences for me has been extremely scary.

      Although I'm not pleased you struggled in your childhood, in a way from what you said, it did set you up to be able to cope better.

      It sounds like your girlfriend must have been vulnerable. I know how difficult it is to be house-bound too. It took me around a year and a half to comfortably go out, initially with a mask.

      I'm just about there three years in.

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