Our thoughts are now focused on the ongoing war, before that our heads were primarily occupied by the pandemic. During the subsequent lockdown phases, we were forced to adapt to completely new living conditions in an extremely short period of time. The introduction of more types of restrictions, a significant reduction in interpersonal contacts, the need to isolate oneself at home, the transition from study and stationary to remote work – these are the most important of the changes we have faced. The effects of the still ongoing pandemic are multidimensional and have extended to our mental health in addition to our work life, family life or our relationships with other people.
Report on. Increased symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety among Poles during the first months of the pandemic
Scientists are unequivocal about the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of people around the world. The research team, led by Dr. Małgorzata Gambin of the UW Department of Psychology conducted a four-phase study in 2020 looking at the severity of depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety among Poles during the first months of the pandemic (early May, June, July and December 2020).
The report (presented by the researchers) shows that Poles experienced the greatest intensity of the above-mentioned symptoms in early May and December, thus during the first and second waves of the epidemic. These were periods of lockdown. The lowest intensity of anxiety occurred in July, when life returned to relative „normalcy” for a while. Interestingly, in each of the four phases of the study, people under 45 were always more likely to experience symptoms of depression and generalized drug. year of age. Young people aged 18-24 were a particularly vulnerable group in May, while adults aged 35-44 were particularly vulnerable in December.
It is clear from the cited studies that the situation of isolation, confinement at home, has negatively affected the mental health of Poles. It can be assumed that and during the subsequent waves of the epidemic, there was a similar increase in symptoms of generalized anxiety and depression. What factors contributed to this? Certainly, a significant reduction in direct contacts with other people (family, acquaintances, friends), constant fear for one’s own and loved ones’ health, uncertainty about the further course of the pandemic and its potential consequences, possible conflicts between household members living in isolation, or the stress of changing work and study to a remote mode.
Professional and economic situation
An important aspect that has had – and continues to have – an impact on the mental health of many people is the effect of the pandemic on their professional and economic situation. Uncertainty about one’s professional and economic future, job loss, a new way of organizing work or job security anxiety have all negatively affected the mental health of many people. Working or studying conditions at home have also reduced our productivity, intensified our feelings of loneliness, in addition, there have been problems with work-life balance.
These are the most important factors that have influenced the deterioration of mental health in a significant part of the population. Although the severity of depressive symptoms and generalized anxiety was transient, as the authors of the report „Depressive and anxiety symptoms among Poles during the COVID-19 epidemic” point out. – „the epidemic and its personal, social and economic consequences can lead to chronic stress, the severity of which exceeds the individual’s ability to adapt and cope, leading to the development and long-term persistence of depressive and anxiety symptoms of clinically significant severity, requiring professional psychiatric and/or psychological help.”
Let’s remember to use such assistance if necessary! One place where you can seek help and support is the Center for Psychological Assistance at the UW. More information can be found here: https://cpp.uw.edu.pl/.
We encourage you to read the reports prepared by UW researchers:
https://www.uw.edu.pl/raport-z-badania-dotyczacego-psychologicznych-aspektow-covid-19/
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