13 potential long-term effects the coronavirus pandemic could have on mental health

Matthew WilsonJun 8, 2020, 22:34 IST

Social distancing is how we all see each other now.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The coronavirus pandemic is still a major concern, though the long-term effects of quarantine and social distancing on our mental health are still unknown.
Healthcare workers are at a higher risk for developing both depression and PTSD.
People who lost their jobs due to the pandemic may feel a loss of identity and experience stressors that could lead to depression.

As the coronavirus pandemic drags on, many citizens have dealt with their lives turning upside-down. Healthcare professionals have worked long hours in tense conditions, putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus. Some families have lost multiple loved ones due to the disease, and others have lost their jobs.

Business Insider spoke with psychiatrists and researchers on how they think the pandemic and its different impacts might affect people's mental health in the future.

Here are some potential long-term effects of the coronavirus pandemic, according to experts.

For the general population, stresses related to social distancing could cause anxiety disorders and depression.

Social distancing. Justin Paget/Getty Images

Healthcare workers run a high risk of contracting COVID-19 and, as a result, may be at an even higher risk of developing severe depression than the general population.

A man social distancing. Deliris/Shutterstock

People who contracted the coronavirus are at a heightened risk for depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

An intensive care patient. Getty Images/Ian Waldie

So are those who lost family members or friends to COVID-19.

A healthcare worker holds a patient's hand. PASCAL POCHARD-CASABIANCA/Getty Images

The stigma associated with contracting the virus can cause stress, shame, and avoidance among healthcare workers.

Someone cleaning their home. Nitiphonphat/Shutterstock

Anxiety and burnout can also lead to PTSD among healthcare workers.

Two healthcare workers. wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

Healthcare workers may turn to alcohol to cope with the stress.

Vodka. Robin Marchant/Getty Images

People who already have substance abuse problems may be negatively affected by the pandemic ...

A drink. dan.nikonov/Shutterstock

... just like those who have previously dealt with mental health issues, or an ongoing mental health issue.

Pre-existing mental health conditions can be a factor. Shutterstock

The families of healthcare workers are also at risk of being negatively impacted by being separated from a family member.

A family practices social distancing. Jevanto Productions/Shutterstock

Children may find themselves feeling more isolated in the long term.

A child learns from home. Maria Symchych/Shutterstock

Young adults who lost their jobs may also feel more isolated.

An online meeting. Tada Images/Shutterstock

Older people who also lost their jobs may feel a loss of identity or purpose.

Local residents line up outside a food pantry. Andrew Lichtenstein/Getty Images

The longer it takes to recover from the pandemic, the worse the mental health effects may be.

Social distancing. eldar nurkovic/Shutterstock

People can practice positive coping mechanisms now to help with their mental health in the future.

A masked man goes for a run. Jeff Chiu / AP

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