What Long-Term Impact Has COVID-19 Had on Mental Health?
| 4.9 Google Reviews
| 4.9 Google Reviews
Peace Valley Recovery is located in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to provide patient-centered care that focuses on healing and recovery from addiction. This blog provides information, news, and uplifting content to help people in their recovery journey.
Authored by Chris Schumacher | Medically Reviewed by Dr. Elizabeth Drew,
Last Updated: January 12, 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down for everyone. Though the world is starting to look a bit more normal, the effects of the past few years are far from over, especially when it comes to mental health, with a staggering 90 percent of U.S. adults believing we are facing a mental health crisis. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or just an overwhelming sense of exhaustion, you’re not alone. The pandemic has left its mark on all of us, which we’ll examine below.
Widespread Anxiety and Fear After the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced an unprecedented level of uncertainty into our lives, leading to heightened anxiety for many. For some, the fear of contracting the virus has not fully subsided, even though the initial wave has passed. Health anxiety, which is the constant worry about getting sick or spreading illness, became a common issue. For others, the constant media coverage, changing guidelines, and the threat of illness triggered lasting stress.
Many people have found that after months of isolation and caution, returning to “normal” life isn’t as simple as expected. Social anxiety has become a bigger issue for those who had little social interaction during lockdowns. The idea of returning to crowded spaces, engaging with groups, or even simple social interactions can feel daunting.
It’s not just health fears, many people still worry about the future. Will there be another pandemic? How secure is my job? These are common concerns, and they are fueling a persistent sense of anxiety. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), nearly 70 percent of adults in the U.S. reported increased stress levels during the pandemic, and for many, those feelings have yet to dissipate.
Impact on Depression and Emotional Well-being
It’s no surprise that depression rates soared during the pandemic. The isolation, loss, and uncertainty weighed heavily on many. For some, feelings of hopelessness during the pandemic led to long-term mental health struggles.
One of the most difficult aspects of the pandemic for many was the experience of grief. Whether it was losing loved ones, missing out on important life events, or even mourning the life you had before. These losses left lasting scars that can make it hard to move forward emotionally.
People have also reported struggling with motivation and chronic fatigue. This isn’t just a physical tiredness; it’s an emotional exhaustion that makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. The weight of the pandemic has left many people feeling drained and detached from their previous selves.
Long-Term Impact on Children and Adolescents
For children and teenagers, the pandemic was an especially challenging time. School closures, social distancing, and online learning disrupted their lives in ways that are still being felt. The abrupt shift from in-person schooling to remote learning created significant educational challenges, but also deep emotional strain.
Children who missed out on crucial social interactions or extracurricular activities may be dealing with social anxiety and feelings of isolation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the percentage of young people experiencing mental health crises has risen dramatically, with emergency room visits for mental health-related issues among children aged 12-17 increasing from 24 to 31 percent during the pandemic.
Another significant factor is the increase in screen time. Many children turned to technology to fill the gap left by the lack of in-person interaction, and this has its own set of consequences. The over-reliance on screens has contributed to poor sleep, emotional dysregulation, and heightened anxiety.
The Rise of Burnout and Exhaustion Among Adults
Adults weren’t spared from the toll of the pandemic either, particularly those balancing work-from-home demands with caregiving or household responsibilities. The blurred lines between work and home life made it difficult for many to switch off, leading to chronic burnout.
Working parents found themselves juggling remote work while also managing their children’s education from home. This “double duty” became too much for many, leading to what’s been termed “pandemic burnout.” A study published by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that people worked an average of 48.5 minutes longer each day during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels, likely due to the blurred lines between working from home and shutting off.
Financial stress also played a significant role in the mental health impact on adults. Many lost jobs or faced pay cuts, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. The constant worry about financial stability, coupled with isolation, pushed many to the brink of emotional exhaustion.
Trauma and PTSD-Related Symptoms
For frontline workers and essential employees, the pandemic was a traumatic experience that is likely to have long-lasting effects. The daily exposure to the virus, coupled with long hours and the emotional toll of caring for patients or maintaining essential services, left many healthcare workers with symptoms similar to PTSD.
But the trauma wasn’t limited to healthcare workers. Many people experienced trauma in less obvious ways, such as the emotional stress of isolation, the fear of illness, or dealing with the illness or death of a loved one. The pandemic created an environment ripe for trauma, and those wounds may still be healing.
Increased Substance Use and Addictive Behaviors
As stress levels rose, many people turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms to manage their anxiety, depression, or boredom. Alcohol use, in particular, increased during the pandemic, with a survey by the RAND Corporation finding that alcohol consumption increased by 14 percent among adults over 30 compared to pre-pandemic levels. Other forms of substance use, including prescription drugs, also spiked as people sought to numb the emotional toll of the pandemic.
Beyond substance use, many people found themselves developing unhealthy dependencies on technology and social media. With so much of life moving online, it became harder to disconnect, leading to increased anxiety and depression. Excessive screen time has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes, particularly for young people.
The Effect of Long COVID on Mental Health
One of the most significant and long-lasting effects of the pandemic is the emergence of “long COVID,” where symptoms persist long after the initial infection. For many, this has created not only physical challenges but also a deep mental and emotional strain.
People with long COVID often report issues like brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and ongoing fatigue, symptoms that can significantly impact mental health. Struggling with a condition that doesn’t seem to have a clear end can lead to frustration, anxiety, and even depression. The uncertainty surrounding long COVID only amplifies these feelings, leaving many people emotionally drained and seeking answers.
Peace Valley Recovery Can Help You Cope with the Impacts of COVID-19
It’s clear that the pandemic has affected us all in ways we couldn’t have imagined. If you’re feeling the mental health effects of COVID-19 and struggling to move forward, you don’t have to do it alone. Peace Valley Recovery offers the support you need to work through these challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, or substance use issues, our compassionate team is here for you. Don’t wait until things get worse, so reach out today and take that first step toward healing. You can call us 24/7 at (267) 263-7303. Your mental health matters, and there’s no shame in seeking help. Let us walk with you on your journey to recovery.
