The Mental Health Pandemic: Covid-19 - Depression and Anxiety

Although in the United States, we are finally at a point when it appears there is a life-saving solution to covid-19. The impact the global pandemic has had on minds around the world is irrefutable. Whether or not individuals have contracted Covid-19, there has been a noteworthy increase in cases of anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses.

People are universally concerned about restoring their pre-Covid existence and it can be stressful, along with dealing with new realities relating to work, travel and leisure. The propensity for experiencing anxiety and depression over the past two years has been high for these and many other reasons and at Centerway Behavioral Health, we’d like to make sure we’re participating in the awareness and treatment of these cases.

The Physical and Mental Impacts of Covid-19

Although people may have recovered from the physical effects of Covid-19, research is beginning to assess the lingering effects of the disease on mental health. Approximately one out of every three people who have had Covid-19 are diagnosed with a form of mental illness within six months from infection, with nearly 20% of people diagnosed within three months.

Among people who recover from the physical symptoms from Covid-19, anxiety and mood disorders have become very prevalent. “Mask anxiety” still affects many people who have already been completely vaccinated. The cloak of restricted living that accompanied life with Covid-19 continues to affect many people who are finding it difficult to get back to their pre-pandemic routines.

Difficulty Returning to Normal After the Pandemic

Having to fulfill responsibilities now that many restrictions are being lifted can produce anxiety. While many people feel liberated by declining case and death rates, others find it difficult returning to normal. For some, this can even manifest as Covid-19 anxiety syndrome.

There are some physical symptoms of Covid-19 overlap with some symptoms depression, including insomnia, difficulty concentrating and poor appetite. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be depressed or anxious after your experience with Covid-19, it is important to seek out a qualified mental health practitioner.

Centerway Behavioral Health is here to support anyone who feels their mental health has been negatively impacted by Covid-19.

Centerway Behavioral Health’s Response to Covid-19/Coronavirus Concerns

At Centerway Behavioral Health, we are approaching the Covid-19/Coronavirus pandemic with the utmost care and attention. We understand that social distancing, infection source tracing (tracing who the sick exposed), and highly accurate rapid testing are integral to ending this pandemic. We want to do everything in our power to help with these initiatives so we are making changes on-the-ground.

We have transitioned to telehealth sessions, thus minimize exposure risk for our staff and patients. We are very proficient at this now, any most insurances have granted permission indefinitely for telehealth for sessions anywhere in the State of South Carolina. Once this pandemic ends, patients will have the option to continue by telehealth or come directly to our clinic for visits.

Research Shows, Sleep is Vital for Mental and Physical Well-Being

The science of sleep continues to delve into the quantity and quality of sleep needed for maintaining physical and mental health. Sleep deprivation is no longer considered a badge of honor, and poor sleep habits have been linked to an array of physical and mental health concerns.

Sleep deprivation is no longer considered a badge of honor.

Physical Impact of Poor Sleep Behaviors

 A new five-year study funded in part by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) published by the American Journal of Cardiology on March 2, 2020, reveals that people who do not adhere to a regular sleep schedule with fixed bedtime and wake up schedules are more than twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The study group was comprised of older people ranging in age from 45-84. A sleep evaluation was administered to the individual in the group, who were then followed for about a five-year period from 2010-2016.

The technology employed for the study included digital sleep trackers called actigraphs that monitor wake and sleep cycles for seven-day periods. Participants were also given a sleep assessment test called a polysomnography. Among the 111 study participants who developed CVD during the study period, the data indicated that those with the most irregular sleep patterns had double the risk for the disease.

Specific markers that increased for the study group included higher levels of blood sugar and inflammation, which in turn place people at a higher risk for diabetes, CVD, and obesity. Michael Twery, PhD., director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research noted that the new study is the largest of its kind, and establishes a definitive link between sleep problems and CVD.

Insomnia and its Impact on Mental Health

But a poor sleep schedule doesn’t just take a physical toll on the body. More evidence is arising from sleep studies to indicate that the toll on mental health well-being is equally as troubling. In December 2019, the scientists Michael Bonnet and Donna Arand published a paper, Risk factors, comorbidities and consequence of insomnia among adults   (Wolters Kluwer) that addresses the mental health consequences of insomnia. In fact, the authors noted that nearly 50% of patients reporting symptoms of insomnia also are affected by other psychiatric disorders. Insomnia imparts a number of adverse symptoms, including:

• Fatigue

• Sleepiness

• Confusion

• Tension

• Anxiety

• Depression

Having a proclivity for experiencing insomnia increase with a number of risk factors. Women (especially those who are peri- and postmenopausal,) older individuals, people who have had previous episodes of insomnia, and those with a family history for the disorder are at higher risk. People with insomnia also can suffer from trait sleep reactivity, in which people suffer from an exaggerated sleep reaction when they experience stressful events. Among older adults, early wake times are a marker for insomnia, while adolescents and younger adults are more likely to experience difficulty falling asleep. For the spectrum of people who suffer from substance abuse disorders, insomnia is a very commonly reported condition across a wide variety of substances and through different stages of illness. For people with alcohol dependency, their insomnia often predates their problem with substance abuse, and insomnia in turn is an important risk factor for relapse among those who are in remission. Not too surprisingly, a large number – 80% - of patients with depression also report insomnia. Similarly, the majority of patients with anxiety also report that they have symptoms of insomnia. PTSD is also highly correlated with sleep problems: the authors note one study indicating that 70-90% of PTSD sufferers have difficulty falling or staying asleep.

In Conclusion: Research is Showing that Sleep is Integral to Overall Health

Having established a link between poor sleep hygiene and CVD, future research will also attempt to establish a link between biomarkers that explain the link and are indicators for enhanced risk.

Researchers note that disrupting the circadian rhythm of sleeping and waking cycles affects metabolic functions and causes a spike in cholesterol among other problems. But further research is required to gain more insight and to establish conclusive finings in this area.

One thing is certain: good sleep hygiene is beneficial. Most adults fall in the range of needing 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Just like maintaining a healthy diet and exercising, sleep is integral to health.

Centerway Behavioral Health has comprehensive services to help with Sleep Disorders.

Contact us today if you’re struggling with sleep patterns and your mental health.

The Fine-Line Between Being Detail-Oriented and Obsessive

Certain behaviors can mimic obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) If someone is highly focused on attention to detail, or is preoccupied with organization or maintaining an uncluttered environment, it does not necessarily mean they truly have OCD.

In childhood, there can be some cases of confusion between children who exhibit behaviors characteristic of autism like repetitive behaviors. Children who have OCD generally do not lack the social skills like their peers with spectrum disorders.

If you do suspect you or a loved one is suffering from OCD, one sign is that their compulsions have an affect on their daily life, either inhibiting necessary activities or being overly focused on other activities to the point that it is unproductive.

How do I know if I might have OCD?

OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, images or urges that usually cause anxiety or distress. Two related types of behavior that that often independently indicate that someone has OCD are that a person feels impelled to perform certain repetitive acts in relation to an obsession or that they must religiously follow self-imposed rules to achieve completion of a goal or an activity.

Avoiding activities that can trigger obsessions or compulsions, excessive time spent acting on compulsions, avoiding going to the doctor because of contamination concerns and avoiding interactions with family and friends due to fear of harm have historically been indications of obsessive compulsive behavior.

OCD usually begins in childhood, and persists into adulthood. Studies have indicated that there is a genetic component to the disease, particularly as it relates to childhood onset. The mean age of onset for OCD in the US in 19.5 years, with 25% of the cases beginning at 14 years old.

OCD Treatment Options: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Medication & More

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medications (SSRIs) both achieve positive outcomes for treating OCD as supported by randomized trials. SSRIs denote antidepressant medications, including Fluoxetine and Clomipramine, which inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the nervous system.

CBT is a set of behavioral techniques that is used to modify patterns of maladaptive behaviors. CBT has been shown to be effective for OCD at all levels of symptom severity.

It is important to understand whether you are simply a compulsive person or someone who may have OCD. There are different and effective treatment options available if you suspect this may be the case for your or a loved one.

Centerway Behavioral Health can Help You Determine if You Have OCD

Contact us to schedule a consultation.