America is now leading in coronavirus cases, surpassing Italy and China. There is no doubt that this will effect our economy and healthcare system but there is also an underlying problem that is growing as more days of isolation pass by. The psychological traumas of social distancing will impact our healthcare workers significantly. Healthcare workers are right now being tested to their limits as they are putting their lives at risks helping infected patients get better, isolating themselves from their families, and working as medical supplies like PPE and masks are getting low. The Journal of American Medical Association did a recent study where they surveyed about 1,250 healthcare workers in China who treated COVID-19 patients and manyreportedsymptoms of depression (50.4%), anxiety (44.6%), insomnia (34.0%) and distress (71.5%). It has also been reported that the general population in America has reported that their mental health is getting worse and the number is only getting higher as more days of isolation pass by. This is concerning because we already see the short term effects on mental health and we have yet to see what will happen in the longterm. Our general population mental health will only get worse as many people are losing their loved ones and cannot be with them to say goodbye, pregnant woman are being forced to deliver alone, and elderly folks are getting treated without care and support from their families by their side. This is a trying time and we have to show our love and support and especially thank our healthcare workers for everything they are doing.
- By: Anissa Lukose