Getting back to “normal” after surviving a pandemic seems like an impossible task. That’s the situation many people find themselves in after the COVID-19 pandemic.
After months of coping with isolation, fear, and grief, you may be struggling with high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression. If so, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans are having difficulty processing all that they have been through individually and what their communities have been through collectively.
The need for therapy post-pandemic is serious. Some people may experience symptoms of mental illness, such as depression, without even realizing their symptoms are related to the pandemic event. However, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns are normal reactions to such a protracted and difficult situation.
Outpatient services are often a great fit for people needing mental health treatment because they allow for the participants to return home each night. Learn more about options for outpatient psychotherapy in Scottsdale and if it’s a good fit for your needs.
How COVID-19 Affected Mental Health
The social distancing that was necessary during the pandemic led to feelings of depression and loneliness for many people. Some individuals who were already receiving treatment for mental health concerns reported an increase in the severity of their symptoms. Domestic violence, child abuse, and substance abuse also increased.
In the absence of traditional funerals, those who lost loved ones were unable to process their grief normally or gather with family members to memorialize those who passed away. Those who became ill with COVID-19 and survived may suffer from related chronic complications, which can lead to depression.
Health care workers, retail workers, and other frontline workers who experienced abuse and exhaustion during the pandemic are also vulnerable to developing mental health concerns, such as post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety.
Some families suffered devastating financial losses, which led to homelessness.
Having a strong support system is important for getting through difficult times, but not everyone is fortunate enough to have friends and family to rely on. Even if they do, the stress of the pandemic is widespread. Those who were once considered emotional “rocks” may also be suffering.
Can Outpatient Psychotherapy in Scottsdale Help?
Surveys have shown a major increase in the number of Americans who have experienced diminished mental health since the coronavirus pandemic. According to one report, over 5.4 million people sought help for mental health concerns in 2021. That’s a 500% increase from 2019. 1
Even though COVID-19 concerns are ongoing, it’s important to begin addressing any problems that have arisen now. Therapy provides an opportunity to consider your responses to stress and learn new tools for improved stress management.
Making an appointment for outpatient psychotherapy in Scottsdale isn’t a sign of weakness. It is a sign of your strong desire to feel better.
At an outpatient clinic, you can expect a thorough assessment. Assessments help therapists develop individualized treatment plans for each patient and ensure that all mental health concerns are being addressed. Your assessment may include questions about family history as well as any mental health treatments or medications you are currently receiving.
If you are diagnosed with a mental health condition, the therapist will educate you about your mental health status, including answering any questions you may have. Your treatment plan may include specific kinds of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, group therapy, family therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy, and medications.
Symptoms of Mental Illness
Ignoring symptoms of poor mental health won’t make them go away. If left untreated, your symptoms will likely become more severe, even debilitating. Make an appointment with a qualified therapist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Panic
- Stress or excessive anxiousness
- Nausea, sweating, or elevated heart rate in social situations
- Feelings of impending doom accompanied by heart palpitations or chest pain
- Phobias — extreme fears that prevent you from functioning
- Generalized anxiety with no explanation
- Fear of leaving home or being in public spaces
- Depression
- Self-harming behaviors
- Thoughts of suicide
There are many treatments available to help alleviate the above symptoms.
Find Help at the Healing Foundations Center, Outpatient Psychotherapy in Scottsdale
If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms of poor mental health, contact the compassionate mental health professionals at the Healing Foundations Center. Living through a pandemic is a unique experience, and no one should be expected to handle the difficulties alone.
Healing Foundations Center provides outpatient psychotherapy in Scottsdale that is affordable and effective. Call us today.
Sources:
[1] https://mhanational.org/mental-health-and-covid-19-two-years-after-pandemic