The COVID-19 pandemic has caused “mass trauma,” which some medical professionals are calling post-pandemic stress disorder. It’s not yet a recognized mental health condition, but a set of experts believe it should be.
What Is Post-Pandemic Stress Disorder? How to Spot the Signs, and What to Do Next
Do you remember this meme that made the rounds on social media at the start of lockdown? The one that simply said: “Your grandparents were called to war, you’re being called to sit on your couch. You can do this.” While it was meant to lift our spirits, no one knew at the time that the world was dealing with one of the greatest long-term threats facing humanity.
More than a year later, with almost four million lives lost, we are a far cry from normal. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused “mass trauma” on a larger scale than the second world war, and the mental health toll of the coronavirus pandemic will last “for many years to come.” This trauma is what some medical professionals are calling post-pandemic stress disorder, a form of COVID-19-induced PTSD. While PPSD is not yet a recognized mental health condition, some experts strongly believe it should be.
“Over the past year, many people have been exposed to varying degrees of trauma,” psychotherapist Owen O’Kane, who coined the term PPSD, tells Vogue. “The main problem is, it’s been relentless, and this is why I believe post-pandemic stress disorder will explode. At present, this won’t be recognized as a significant problem because we are normalizing the circumstances. However, like all traumas, the impact will show when the pandemic is over.”
What are the signs of post-pandemic stress disorder?
According to O’Kane, symptoms of PPSD are similar to PTSD and can vary from person to person. These might include increased anxiety, low motivation, feeling hopeless or powerless, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, feeling numb, being increasingly angry or irritated, negative or catastrophic thinking, withdrawing socially, feelings of struggling to cope and “I can’t be bothered with anything.”
“If you previously experienced anxiety or depression, the symptoms may be worse,” he adds. “If you were functioning well before the pandemic and are now experiencing these symptoms, it is likely you are experiencing PPSD.” He advises if these or other symptoms are occurring regularly and “bad days” are starting to outnumber “good days,” then it might be best to seek help.
Psychologist Dr. Justine Grosso says it is crucial to check in with yourself and become aware of shifts in physiology, emotions, thinking and behavior because these are the building blocks of good physical and emotional health. Trauma doesn’t just change the mind (beliefs and thinking patterns), but also the brain, nervous system and stress hormones.
This story originally appeared on: Vogue - Author:Anne Lora Scagliusi
