Is COVID-19 Increasing Your Depression Levels?

Woman holds head in arms, depressed from COVID-19

It’s a new year, but we’re still living with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. First identified in 2019, the novel respiratory coronavirus is highly infectious, and has transformed lives worldwide.

For many families and individuals, disruptions to daily life in 2021, as well as personal loss and stress, have created a challenging environment for mental health, and many are worried that their depression levels are worsening.

Whether you’re the parent of a child struggling with pandemic-related depression and the unique challenges of distance learning, someone coping with a recent loss of a family member to COVID-19, or an individual concerned that pandemic-related stress will trigger or intensify a long-standing mental health issue, the care team at Nugent Family Counseling are here to help.

Dealing with COVID-19 depression

Increased social isolation, disruption to daily routines, the reduction of positive stimuli like sports or hobbies, and the personal losses and stresses impacting many as a result of COVID-19 can all contribute to or worsen ongoing clinical depression. While limited physical interaction is important to save lives, you might find the lack of connection amplifies symptoms of anxiety or depression. 

Everyone feels down from time to time, especially when circumstances are stressful or upsetting. Even those who don’t typically struggle with depression may find that their mental health has taken a downturn during the pandemic. 

If you feel persistently sad, apathetic, or are frequently tired for no clear reason, you might be dealing with depression. Depression can be managed or even relieved with treatment. We encourage you to reach out for support if you are experiencing depressive symptoms, or if you’re worried your depression is getting worse.

Watch out for signs of depression in children and teens who aren’t able to return to in-person learning this school year. The loss of support, socialization, and structure can be especially hard for young people, who may be forced to put hopes and dreams on hold.

Getting the support you need

While it is unclear when we will be able to safely return to pre-COVID-19 precautions, like the need to wear face coverings and physical distance, the FDA approval of a vaccine is a reason for hope. And while we wait for the time to connect in person, if you are experiencing worsening depression, we encourage you to reach out for the mental health support that you and your family need.

There are ways to manage pandemic-related stress. These include introducing new activities to your daily routine to improve your mood and creating and finding ways to safely connect with loved ones at a distance, over the phone, or on a video call. You can also make distance learning more social for children and teens, by helping them connect with friends through online chats.

The professionals at Nugent Family Counseling are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for professional support with feelings or fears of worsening depression. We offer counseling, psychiatry, medication management, and alternative therapies, taking a holistic approach to your and your loved ones’ mental health and well-being.

We invite you to learn more about our full range of services for children or teens. Book an appointment with one of our experienced providers. Visit us online, or call our San Jose, California, Los Gatos, California, and Reno, Nevada offices now to schedule.