Introduction

According to Mark Roemer Oakland, the pandemic has negatively impacted almost every aspect of our daily life and it has adversely affected the mental health of many people. In fact, according to a survey by ‘The Conference Board’, over 60% of US workers feel stressed about their mental health due to the pandemic.

The Reasons

Here are a few reasons why US workers are concerned about mental health after the pandemic:

1. Worry about health and wellbeing - US workers who are generally not as healthy as normal adults suffer from anxiety and it’s become more pronounced due to the pandemic. The fear of the coronavirus is exaggerated in vulnerable individuals who are diagnosed with mood disorders or physical ailments. As a result, it has resulted in a higher rate of depression and mental health disorders. 

2. Worry about the loss of income or job loss - Many people have lost their jobs due to the pandemic and suffered devastating consequences as a result. Suffice to say that those individuals have suffered from moderate to extreme trauma due to the sudden loss of jobs and no income security. This has affected the whole nation and has taken a toll on the mental health of employees in every industry imaginable. 

Plus, it has been documented that job loss has resulted in more anxiety and depression among people. Many people have also succumbed to substance abuse which led them further into a spiral of negativity. Thus, US workers who still have a secure job can’t shake off the feeling of job insecurity.

3. Huge change in daily routine - Ever since the pandemic, people had to participate in numerous lockdowns that forced them to stay at home. Now, people have to work from home along with their kids who cannot go visit their schools and universities anymore. The economic downturns, loss of income and job security, and deaths all around the world have painted everything in a negative light. Not to mention the increase in substance abuse disorder and suicide. 

All of these have led to a vicious circle which we cannot get out of unless the pandemic is fully over. For instance, work from home has now become the norm but it has become difficult to relax after work since you have to stay cooped up in your house all day and there is no option to go outside without any risks. So, it has adversely affected the mental health of many people including teenagers, adults, and senior citizens. 

4. A period of uncertainty - Even though it has been over a year since the pandemic started back in 2020, nobody can say for sure when it will be all over. Many people are worried about vaccines due to the negative side effects that come with them and some are simply too weak-willed to stay calm. In this period of uncertainty, many US workers have expressed their concern over their mental health.

Conclusion

Mark Roemer Oakland suggests you follow the safety rules declared by the CDC and the government to stay safe and improve your mental wellbeing.