Throughout human history, pandemics have killed millions of people. Most of us probably expected that medical advances today would have prevented this. Not in the case of Covid-19 (Coronavirus)! The US mortality rate spiked by nearly 23%. Some of these deaths were a direct result of Covid-19, while others were due to the traumatic stress of the pandemic.
As we discussed in my July 11, 2021 blog, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Syndrome (PTSD/PTSS), is not limited to veterans. Post-Covid-19, many people are experiencing Pandemic Stress Disorder or Pandemic Stress Symptoms which are the same or similar to PTSD/PTSS. Unfortunately, just as with PTSD/PTSS, many people are either unaware of the pandemic’s impact on them or refuse or delay seeking help.
Often, the stress from dealing with the pandemic is ongoing. Unfortunately, it can reduce a person’s immune system’s ability to fight off infections, making them more vulnerable to illness and disease. Devastating effects included fatal heart attacks, stroke, and cancer. Common post-Covid symptoms range from chronic insomnia, mood and anxiety issues, high blood pressure stress, depression, anxiety, and various physical health issues. Few mental health studies among hospitalized patients have yet been published. But we now know that hospitalized patients who were stable had a 96.2% incidence of Pandemic Stress Symptoms (PSS).
Because COVID disproportionately affects older adults, they had to take more precautions than younger populations. Many Seniors suffered from social isolation, loneliness, and overall mental health issues. According to the Center for Applied and Translational Sensory Science (CATSS) at the University of Minnesota, the impact was even more profound in people with sensory loss (hearing and/or vision).
According to an August 2020 study by the CDC via a US web-based survey, 40.9% of 5,000 adults surveyed had at least 1 adverse mental or behavioral health problem attributed to the pandemic. Survivors are often left with significant emotional and physical problems, as well as economic problems. According to a recent article by Liz Szabo, of Kaiser Health News, most of the public health impact was due to economic disparity, with 11.3% of Americans living in poverty compared to 10.7% in January 2020. There is a definite link between poverty and health, be it physical, mental, or spiritual.
According to Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps The Score, in 1872 Charles Darwin wrote about body-brain connections. In The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals, Darwin asserts that intense emotions involve the mind, gut, and heart. Dr. Van Der Kolk states that the communication between mind and body has largely been ignored by Western science and medicine. However, it has been central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and India, as well as other parts of the world. Western science is just starting to understand it’s impact on trauma and recovery.
This is where mind-body exercises, such as Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and meditation can help by reducing, managing, and even possibly avoiding stress and anxiety. Mind-body practices such as Tai Chi and Qigong strengthen the immune system, while having a positive impact on both the nervous system and mood regulating hormones.
In addition, mind-body exercises increase self-awareness, which helps us to observe what is going on inside our bodies as we move, breathe, and go about our day. Connection between our mind and our body is vital in order to be aware of, and appropriately act on the sensations we are feeling. The technical term for not being aware of what is going on inside your body is “alexithymia”. Being aware is also important in order to navigate through your life safely and mindfully. This awareness has been shown to be vital step in the journey towards healing from trauma.
The upside (if there is one) of the pandemic is that people are valuing family and friends more. Many have decided to drop out of the rat race, or at least slow down. They are learning to do what makes them happy and become less materialistic. Many have turned to nature and mind-body exercises and/or meditation to decrease stress and tension in order to improve their lives.
This is a great time to do something positive for your mind and your body. If you haven’t already, give Tai Chi or Qigong a try. If you are already a practitioner, it might be wise to step up your practice. You have everything to gain!
Subscribe to receive my weekly blogs in your email.