While the disease is not yet widespread, it is affecting the general public. The public is likely to feel the impact of COVID-19, as are family members and friends of sufferers. Those with pre-existing mental health conditions and healthcare workers will also feel the effects of COVID-19. Here are some facts about COVID-19 and its impact on mental health. It is also known to aggravate pre-existing mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety.

The disease is causing widespread mental health concern worldwide, with a disproportionate number of cases and deaths in communities of color. Moreover, COVID-19 has led to a spike in anxiety and depression, particularly among minority groups. A recent study showed that people affected by the disease have greater likelihood of experiencing anxiety or depression than white individuals. This is concerning, considering that many of the survivors are older. This increased anxiety and depression have led to a higher rate of suicide among African-American adults.

In countries that measure mental distress, depression and anxiety were at their highest levels between mid-March and early April 2020. Anxiety and depression levels began to decline around mid-July 2020, but then rose again in September. However, the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and the number of people killed in the first few months of the outbreak are important factors in determining how mental health will be affected.

Concerns about substance use and mental health have risen in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to local news reports, domestic violence and opioid overdoses have increased, and suicide hotlines have seen an 8,000 percent spike. In addition, modeling suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic will cause 75,000 deaths, and the number of COVID-related deaths could increase. Therefore, the epidemic of COVID-19 will have profound effects on mental health.

The pandemic has disproportionately affected people of color. Non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and Latino adults who reported symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly more affected than White adults. This virus has also disproportionately affected essential workers. Those in these professions continue to face difficulties in accessing mental health care and increased risk of contracting the virus. Furthermore, these workers are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts.

While the COVID-19 epidemic has affected the mental health of many people, the impact of the economic recession has been even greater. These factors have created new barriers for people suffering from mental health disorders. Four out of 10 adults reported symptoms of depression or anxiety during the pandemic. And one-third of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 also reported symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder. In addition, one in five individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 was also later diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.