COVID-19’s Negative Mental Health Impact Goes Well Beyond Standard At-Risk Populations: Action Needs To Be Taken to Combat Long-term Nationwide Emotional Disruption

Abstract

The current Coronavirus pandemic has changed the lives of many. Everyday, new information about the virus emerges from the many studies taking place across the globe. Many countries have enacted social distancing and quarantine protocols to slow the spread of the virus. However, these restrictions have had a severe impact on the mental health of many individuals across the globe. Substance use has been on a rise since the onset of restrictions in March 2020. An increase in depression and anxiety has been correlated with the increase in substance use. This correlation points to the use of substances as a coping mechanism in many people to combat the negative feelings associated with the pandemic. Continued use of drugs to cope with the pandemic has long-lasting impacts on social functioning as well as the possibility for future substance abuse problems. The Canadian mental health system is not equipped to effectively treat a surge in mental health issues and needs help. Increased funding of the Canadian mental health system and increased importance placed on mental health issues is imperative to ensuring all Canadians receive the help they need.