Studies show that pandemics are having a big impact on mental health

This week we have a 6 month COVID-19 lockdown. According to a new study by Finn Partners, Americans, especially parents and women, feel the impact when their children return to school unlike any other year in our history.

A study conducted by Civis Analytics has investigated the effects of emotional, behavioral, and relationships since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. According to the report, half (50%) of all Americans report anxiety, one-third (32%) report more sadness, and one in four report more fear (27%) and anger (25%). %) Reported to be experiencing.

Emotions for women who report experiencing a higher level of anxiety compared to men (56% -43%), sadness (36% -27%), and fear (29% -24%) The burden seems to be the greatest. And it is the parents who report the greatest impact on their relationships and their behavior.

Affected Parents — And What They Have Been About It

Parents with children at home appear to be under the brunt of stress. The proportion of parents with children under the age of 18 who say their relationships with their families are improving is about the same as those who say their relationships are getting worse. However, relationships with almost everyone else are getting worse. Friends (21% worse, 16% better). Neighbors (17% vs 14%); Colleagues (improvement rate is less than 10%, but worse by about 20%).

They also report some positive behavior during the pandemic. Overall, 38% of Americans say they spend more time outdoors with family and friends. The difference is more pronounced for parents (50%) who have children living at home compared to adults (32%) who have no children. Parents who have children under the age of 18 at home also report strong connections to social networks (44% compared to 28% of non-parents). And finally, 45% of adults with children at home are exercising more than 28% of adults without children.

Dr. Catherine Belling, an associate professor at Northwestern University School of Medicine, said: “Nevertheless, these results seem to force parents, in particular, to find a positive and adaptable way, which could possibly lead to longer-term health changes.”

Parents are not the only ones exercising more. Two in five (40%) of respondents under the age of 35 report more exercise and feel healthier. I also feel the same connection to social networks (40%).

Age plays a role in emotional drivers

The survey also explored factors that could adversely affect emotions over the next three months. Nearly two in ten Americans (18%) report that concerns about their health and the government’s response to a pandemic could be the biggest negative emotional factor in the next three months. doing. After that, wearing masks, fears of unemployment, continued social distance (12% each), school online this fall (10%) and working from home (5%).

Age plays an important role in response, with adults 18-34 (14% and 13%) and adults 35-49 (16) being 65 years of age or older having a healthier (27%) and government response (22%). Each% likely to be quoted). And, of course, remote school is a major concern for 14% of Americans aged 18-34 and 12% aged 35-49, affecting many parents and students in this group.

Interestingly, from the list of 10 possible options, working from home is not the issue of greatest concern, with only 5% of respondents reporting that it has the worst impact on emotions.

COVID’s Toll on America’s Mental Health was conducted by Civis Analytic for Finn Partners, a global public relations firm, which surveyed 3,552 respondents online between Friday, August 14th and Monday, August 17th. It is a survey.
https://finnpartners.com/perspectives/research/study-covid-eys-toll-on-america-eys-mental-health.html..