How the pandemic has changed our bodies

How the pandemic has changed our bodies

Posted on March 13, 2021

Whether or not you’ve been lucky enough to dodge the coronavirus for the last year, the global pandemic still could be taking a toll on your body, from your brain to your skin. Your body may be suffering effects big or small from the many ways the pandemic has changed our lives — whether it’s from regular fear of contracting the deadly virus, losing loved ones unexpectedly, social isolation, job losses and financial struggles, endless hours Zooming from home or other challenges faced. But for some, the pandemic has had a serious effect on their mental health. Nearly 1 in 4 adults, or 23%, reported drinking more alcohol to cope with their stress during the pandemic, according to the APA’s latest “Stress in America” survey. Overall, 43% of respondents reported at least one of these adverse mental health symptoms, a number that’s about double pre-pandemic figures, said Dr. Ken Duckworth, NAMI CMO. “Broadly speaking, American mental health overall is worse,” Duckworth said. “We are very social creatures. Human connections are antidepressants, they’re anti-anxiety interventions.” Until it’s safe to be social, Duckworth encourages people to find creative ways to stay connected, such as virtually or by taking walks together outside, maintaining proper distance.