The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about so many challenges for all of us. With hundreds of millions of confirmed infections and deaths that number in the seven-digits, this disease has had a profound effect on almost every human being in this planet. And with the prospect of a vaccine still months or possibly even a year on the horizon, it is apparent that we will have to live in a COVID-19 world in the foreseeable future.
COVID-19 and the Economy
Because it is highly contagious, severe measures had to be taken to manage the spread of COVID-19. Businesses that are not naturally “social distancing-friendly” (e.g., malls, cinemas, restaurants, concert halls, sports arenas parks, public transportation, gyms, medical and dental clinics, spas, salons, barbershops, internet cafes, etc.) had to close down temporarily to adapt to social distancing rules for the sake of their customers as well as themselves.
Unfortunately, these COVID-19 compliant measures have put the viability of a business’s continued existence given that revenue opportunity has been reduced by half on the one hand and overhead costs have remained the same if not actually increased compared to pre-pandemic times. As a result, hundreds of thousands of businesses have either downsized or closed down completely, These have led to the temporary or even permanent loss of hundreds of millions of jobs. Business owners and ordinary workers have been severely impacted by COVID-19.
COVID-19 and Mental Health
The uncertainties of the pandemic have led to a significant rise in stress-related depression and anxiety. For business owners, there is that fear of losing their business, being unable to meet their financial obligations to the bank and suppliers, and shutting down among others that make them anxious and depressed.
For those who are employed, the anxiety is caused by the fear of losing their jobs and the ability to provide for their families. In the case of those who have already lost their jobs, it is the stress of not being able to find a job soon that causes both anxiety and depression.
Mental Health and Online Counseling
There are certain levels of severity of these two mental health issues that require the individual to seek professional counseling. These are roadblocks that prevent him from accurately assessing his situation and coming up with a viable solution, so these must be removed first.
To address the need for professional help, online counseling services are available. Because it is online:
- It allows for one-on-one sessions with a professional therapist without either having to travel;
- It is a naturally social-distanced arrangement, providing safety for you and the therapist; and,
- The timing of the sessions can be customized to meet the schedule preference of both the patient and the therapist.
These are certainly challenging times globally. The pandemic has affected the economy severely and, as a result, caused stress among hundreds of millions of individuals. Depression and anxiety levels have risen. Fortunately, for those with severe stress cases, there is online counseling professionals who can help with proper stress management.
