The Impact of COVID-19: Americans Suffering from “Collective Trauma”
The American Psychological Association (APA) has declared that the United States is still grappling with the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns and other pandemic-related challenges, describing it as a “collective trauma.” Despite the official end of the national health emergency on May 11, 2023, the country has yet to return to a sense of normalcy.
In a study conducted by the APA to assess stress levels among Americans, it was concluded that there are clear indications of collective trauma across all age groups in the country. The impact of the pandemic has created a shared experience among Americans, with the effects of the initial lockdowns still lingering.
“The COVID-19 pandemic created a collective experience among Americans. While the early-pandemic lockdowns may seem like the distant past, the aftermath remains,” stated Arthur C. Evans Jr., the CEO of APA.
The study revealed that adults aged 34 to 44 experienced the most significant increase in chronic health conditions since the pandemic began, rising from 48 percent in 2019 to 58 percent in 2023. This age group also saw a substantial rise in mental health disorders, particularly anxiety and depression, which increased from 31 percent in 2019 to 45 percent in 2023.
The APA warns that chronically elevated stress levels pose risks to mental health and weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to various ailments, including stroke and heart disease. The data strongly suggest that the long-term stress endured since the start of the pandemic has had a significant impact on the well-being of Americans.
“We cannot ignore the fact that we have been significantly changed by the loss of more than one million Americans, as well as the shift in our workplaces, school systems, and culture at large,” emphasized Mr. Evans. “To move toward posttraumatic growth, we must first identify and understand the psychological wounds that remain.”
APA also cautions that chronic stress can lead to inflammation, which further compromises the immune system and increases the risk of various health issues.
This study is the latest addition to mounting evidence suggesting that the strict measures implemented during the pandemic, such as school closures, business shutdowns, and widespread mask-wearing, have had detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.
Lockdowns and Explosion of Child Gun Deaths
Recent research conducted by Boston Children’s Hospital and published in a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics on Oct. 5 reveals heart-wrenching evidence of the devastating impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions on society. The study found a significant increase in injury-related deaths among children during the pandemic years of 2020-2021.
The surge in pediatric fatal injuries was primarily driven by drug-related incidents and firearm-related injuries. In 2021, when lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions were widespread, the study recorded the highest number of child homicides (2,279) and suicides (1,078) by gun since 1999.
Many experts see a clear causal link between the rise in child gun deaths and the policies implemented during the pandemic, which have also been associated with other negative outcomes such as delayed healthcare, learning loss, and mental health crises.
“Due to lockdowns and other misconceived pandemic policies, child gun deaths in the United States exploded exponentially in 2020,” wrote Kevin Bass, a researcher and PhD student in medicine.
While the study indicates that firearm-related homicides began increasing in 2018, Mr. Bass argues that the significant leap to record levels occurred between 2019 and 2020, coinciding with the implementation of lockdowns.
The study’s findings align with an April 2023 report from the Pew Research Center, which revealed a 50 percent surge in children and teenagers killed by gunfire between 2019 and 2021.
Various studies have also linked lockdowns to increases in suicides, mental health crises, learning loss, and delayed healthcare treatments. However, other studies have suggested that lockdowns effectively curbed the spread of the virus.
“Our results show that major non-pharmaceutical interventions—and lockdowns in particular—have had a large effect on reducing transmission,” wrote the authors of a study supporting restrictive measures. However, the research did not evaluate any unintended consequences of these measures.
Nevertheless, a recent comprehensive study on lockdowns concluded that while they can be effective in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, the long-term collateral damage must not be overlooked.
“The price tag of lockdowns in terms of public health is high: by using the known connection between health and wealth, we estimate that lockdowns may claim 20 times more life years than they save,” the authors of the study warned.
The authors also emphasized the need for a thorough analysis of the suppression of dissenting scientific opinions during the pandemic, as it hinders the scientific community’s ability to correct mistakes and undermines public trust in science.
What are the unintended consequences of strict measures and restrictions during a public health crisis, as highlighted by the study?
D restrictions, children have been isolated, struggling with increased levels of stress and anxiety. This has created a perfect storm that has led to the tragic increase in child gun deaths,” stated Dr. Katherine Nelson, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and co-author of the study.
The study highlights the need for policymakers to carefully consider the unintended consequences of strict measures during a public health crisis. While lockdowns and restrictions were implemented with the intention of protecting public health, it is evident that they have had severe repercussions on mental health, education, and overall well-being.
Mental Health Crisis: A Looming Threat
The impact of the pandemic on mental health has been widely documented. The APA study further emphasizes this issue, revealing the alarming increase in mental health disorders among Americans, particularly anxiety and depression. The pandemic has upended people’s lives, leading to isolation, loss of social connections, and financial hardships, all of which have contributed to the deterioration of mental health.
Furthermore, the study found that younger adults, aged 18 to 34, experienced the highest levels of stress and anxiety. This age group, already facing significant challenges in terms of employment and financial stability, has been hit the hardest by the pandemic. The APA calls for urgent attention to be given to this vulnerable population, as the long-term consequences of untreated mental health disorders can be dire.
It is crucial for mental health resources to be made accessible to all Americans, promoting awareness, providing support, and implementing preventive measures. The APA advocates for a comprehensive approach, including increased funding for mental health services, education campaigns, and destigmatization of mental health issues.
As the United States continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is evident that the impact on the collective well-being of Americans is far from over. The APA’s declaration of “collective trauma” serves as a reminder that healing and recovery will take time and concerted effort.
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