Since March, the coronavirus pandemic has affected countless Americans both physically and mentally. While 6.83 million Americans have suffered the physical effects of coronavirus, more than 100 million others have experienced depression and anxiety caused by COVID-19-related burnout and stress. Regardless of whether you’re feeling confused, lonely, worried, or sad, it is important to remember that your feelings during the COVID-19 pandemic are valid and natural.
The Underlying Crisis
Throughout the past six months, experts have referred to the widespread mental health decline in America as the “underlying crisis,” since over one-third of Americans have experienced depression or anxiety due to COVID-19-related burnout and stress.
In a study from the U.S. Census Bureau, 42,000 participants aged 18 to over 80 reported whether they experienced any emotional symptoms due to the 2020 coronavirus outbreak. Of these participants, 24 percent reported symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 30 percent reported significant symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Across all age groups presented in the study, young adults aged 18 to 29 were the most likely to report a decline in their mental health due to coronavirus. A whopping 42 percent of participants in this age range reported symptoms of GAD and 36 percent reported symptoms of MDD, according to the Census Bureau.
COVID-19 Related Burnout and Stress
The burnout and stress associated with a global pandemic and the social safety measures that go alongside it are likely causing these high numbers of individuals experiencing mental health obstacles. Seemingly never-ending feelings of dread, loneliness, and loss undoubtedly affect countless individuals around the world on a daily basis.
Though they’re often used interchangeably, stress and burnout are two very different concepts. It is important to distinguish which one you are feeling in order to get to the root of the emotion and work towards emotional wellness.
Stress is based on having too much to handle. Whether due to too many tasks or too many emotions, stress can cause irritability, fatigue, and anxiety. Burnout, on the other hand, is the build-up of unresolved stress over an extended period of time and stems from the overarching feeling that you aren’t enough. At this point, the pandemic has been raging for long enough that many Americans are reaching the point of burnout, which can lead to complications like social withdrawal, lost motivation, and even depression.
Moving Forward
Since so many individuals are experiencing this widespread burnout, we need to learn how to prevent burnout for ourselves and support those around us experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19-related burnout and stress. Contact an Empower Brokerage agent to see if your Medicare plan offers any mental health services that can help you prevent or reverse the symptoms of burnout and stress by calling (888) 446-9157.
Got Medicare Questions?
We hope this information on COVID-19-related burnout and stress is helpful to you.
If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, call Empower Brokerage today. Let us help with your Medicare questions so you can get back to the activities you enjoy the most. (888) 446-9157 or click here to get an INSTANT QUOTE
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