The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the world’s physical and psychological wellbeing. The trauma inflicted by this global health crisis has been widespread and devastating, especially for those living in areas where the virus was particularly severe or where the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic were especially harsh. In this blog post, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the trauma impacts of COVID-19, as well as what mental health professionals at Purple Sky Counseling in Salt Lake County are doing to help those affected.
What is Trauma?
Before we dive into the trauma impacts of COVID-19, it’s important to understand the concept of trauma. Trauma is defined as “a deeply distressing or disturbing experience” that is often related to a person’s physical, emotional, or psychological wellbeing. Trauma can be caused by a single event or a series of events and can have an enduring psychological effect.
The Trauma Impacts of COVID-19
The trauma impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching and devastating. From the direct impacts of the virus, such as the deaths of loved ones, to the indirect impacts, like the long-term psychological effects of social isolation and economic insecurity, the trauma of the pandemic is both immediate and long-lasting.
Direct Impacts
The direct impacts of COVID-19 include the physical and psychological effects of the virus itself, as well as the emotional toll of losing a loved one to the virus. For many, these direct impacts can lead to long-term psychological trauma.
The physical impacts of the virus can range from mild to severe, and can include fatigue, fever, cough, loss of taste or smell, and more. Additionally, more serious complications can occur, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death. For those who contract the virus and are lucky enough to survive, there can still be long-term physical and psychological effects. For example, some survivors may experience post-viral fatigue, difficulty breathing, and even PTSD.
The emotional trauma of losing a loved one due to COVID-19 is also devastating. The grief and sorrow of losing a family member or friend can be overwhelming and can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Indirect Impacts
The indirect impacts of COVID-19—such as social isolation and economic insecurity—are also having a profound psychological effect on individuals and communities. Social isolation, which is a result of “stay at home” orders and other measures to reduce the spread of the virus, can lead to loneliness, boredom, frustration, and depression. And economic insecurity, which is caused by job loss, reduced wages, and other financial hardships, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and fear.
The Role of Mental Health Professionals
Mental health professionals, such as those at Purple Sky Counseling in Salt Lake County, are playing a critical role in helping those affected by the trauma of COVID-19. Our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to those who are struggling with the mental health effects of the pandemic. We offer a variety of services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and couples counseling, to help individuals cope with the trauma of COVID-19 and develop the skills necessary to manage their mental health.
Conclusion
The trauma impacts of COVID-19 have been far-reaching and devastating, and these impacts can be both direct and indirect. At Purple Sky Counseling in Salt Lake County, we are committed to helping those affected by the pandemic, and our team of experienced therapists is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. If you or someone you know is struggling with the mental health effects of the pandemic, we urge you to reach out for help.