The Importance of Managing Behavioral Health Disorders in the COVID Era

The Importance of Managing Behavioral Health Disorders in the COVID Era

Taking care of your mental health is important under the best of circumstances, but it’s especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of respondents age 18 and older said they experienced depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms between April and June 2020.

As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in detrimental health effects. American adults responded in a Kaiser Family Foundation poll that they had problems sleeping (36% of participants), ate poorly (32%), turned to drugs or alcohol to cope (12%) and experienced a downturn in chronic health conditions (12%). These effects, and the toll they take, make it harder to stay healthy mentally and physically.

Additionally, a new meta-analysis published in JAMA Psychiatry reinforces the importance of taking care of your mental health. Not only does the stress of the pandemic take a toll on us, but the study found that there is also an increased risk of death among those with more serious mental health conditions. In essence, people with a mental health condition may be at higher risk of dying from COVID compared to people without those struggles. TMS can be a useful tool for supporting your mental health during COVID and enhancing your overall well-being.

Are People with a Mental Health Condition at Greater Risk of Contracting COVID-19?

The JAMA Psychiatry study analyzed data from seven countries on three continents: Denmark, France, Israel, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The main conclusion of the meta-analysis stresses the relationship between severe cases of COVID and mental health: People with mental health conditions should be considered a high-risk group, with extra attention paid to disease prevention and management.

The review, published in July 2021, does have some limitations because there aren’t specific demographic breakdowns across the data gleaned from all seven countries, and there were differing definitions of mental health issues. However, it appears that the risk for poor COVID-19 outcomes increases for more severe mental health issues such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

In addition, people with mental health conditions may not have the socioeconomic resources or access to care within their communities, which also increases their risk. These barriers to care can also increase their risk for contracting COVID-19 and suffering intense symptoms.

The study has its limitations, but still, it is another reminder that taking care of your mental health is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What the data does make clear is that it’s imperative to care for your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staying Proactive about Your Health during COVID-19

Depression is a risk factor for anxiety and panic attacks, especially during times of stress such as the pandemic. It's a normal, understandable response, and one that calls for immediate treatment as soon as possible.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety are on the rise. First line treatments include medications and/or talk therapy. If those options don’t work, consider TMS treatment.

TMS works for major depressive disorder. This non-invasive treatment targets the areas of the brain that regulate mood. With a coil placed on the head near the left temple, gentle magnetic pulses stimulate the brain’s nerve cells to ease symptoms and restore normal brain function. TMS doesn’t pose the side effect risks associated with antidepressants, and patients typically only feel a slight tapping on the scalp during treatments. Patients can resume their normal schedule once treatment is over, without any downtime.

And don’t forget to take care of your physical health. Acute or chronic illnesses can raise the risk of contracting COVID-19. Keep up with regular doctor appointments, adhere to healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and a nutritious diet and don’t skip screenings that may provide early detection for diseases such as colon or breast cancer.

Do you need to explore the relationship between TMS and mental health as a way to get through the COVID-19 pandemic? TMS treatment helps with major depressive disorder as well as obsessive compulsive disorder and depression-related anxiety. Our clinic is committed to providing a safe environment for TMS treatment, which includes enhanced cleaning and safety protocols and virtual care options. Take the time to take care of yourself, and schedule your free consultation today.