Whether old or young: The corona pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of many people in Bavaria. “Even worrying about a corona infection can lead to psychological impairments,” says the first Bavarian psychiatric report by the Ministry of Health. Many suffered from the effects of lockdown isolation and social distancing. Added to this would be economic insecurity, material emergencies, fear of existence or a lack of prospects. Studies have shown an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms in the population. “Other psychological consequences of the pandemic and the lockdown can include post-traumatic stress, confusion, depression, anger and resentment, and difficulty sleeping.” In addition, many people felt lonely – a risk factor for mental illness.
During the first lockdown in spring 2020, people in the homes and their relatives in particular were mentally stressed by the ban on visits. At the latest, the second lockdown in late autumn 2020 led to greater mental stress on the population, even in younger age groups, it said – even if the study situation is not yet clear in some cases. Children, young people and the elderly are particularly affected. But people with previous mental illnesses, who have survived a Covid 19 infection or medical staff are also increasingly struggling with mental problems.
As a result, some apparently resort to legal or illegal drugs more often, it said. The risk of addiction has probably also increased in the case of games of chance and pathological use of the Internet. On the other hand, the pandemic has also made some people stronger because they have grown through the crisis and improved their relationships with other people. However, children and adolescents reacted to school closures, the reduction in social contacts and the loss of hobbies and sports opportunities with increased anxiety and depression. Young adults also showed increased sadness and depression.
Older people should be given special protection through strict regulations, but they also suffer particularly badly from isolation, loneliness and a lack of prospects. For over 75-year-olds, the fear of infection has sometimes become a real fear of death, it said: “Those affected often cannot tell anyone and torment themselves with the expectation of dying alone because of Corona.” People in nursing homes are particularly hard hit by the negative effects of the protective measures. People who have survived a Covid 19 disease are also increasingly affected: Current studies indicate that the virus can cause neurological and neuropsychiatric complications such as anxiety disorders, depression, forgetfulness and delirium in the course of the infection – even after months . According to data from the Robert Koch Institute, a little more than 17 percent of children and adolescents and 28 percent of adults in Germany have mental problems or disorders.