09 Mar 2022

Covid-19 and mental health: how can employers help?

Two years into the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all accustomed to hearing about the health impacts of the virus. From fatigue to muscle aches, shortness of breath to brain fog, the short and long-term realities of the virus continue to affect many of us. But what about the way the virus affects mental health with the potential symptoms of long Covid? And even for those who haven’t caught the virus, how have two years of pandemic provisions impacted mental wellbeing?

Employers will be well aware of the pandemic’s effects on their employees. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) confirmed what many already knew: that the pandemic has significantly increased stress levels across the workforce.

Burnout is on the rise across industries. A further report by the APA found that nearly 80% of workers reported feelings of work-related stress in the month before the survey. They listed energy depletion, exhaustion, lack of interest or feelings of cynicism towards their job, and lack of effort as elements behind burnout. Certain areas relating to Covid are out of employers’ control, like lockdowns and work-from-home mandates. But by prioritising mental health care for employees, employers can take matters into their own hands.

Common stressors of the pandemic

Research published in The Lancet listed several stressors associated with increased isolation during lockdowns or quarantine. It included the duration of quarantine, fears of infection or of the infection of loved ones, frustration and boredom, and inadequate supplies or information from the government or public health authorities. The study also identified financial loss or instability as a major stressor that persists after quarantines have lifted.

For employers, a company mental wellbeing strategy needs to take these ongoing effects of the pandemic into account.

Long-term effects of Covid-19 on mental health

Research is also focusing on the potential long-term mental health impacts of contracting the virus, as infectious diseases often have long-term effects on psychiatric wellbeing and neurological health. While research is still evolving, some early studies have indicated an increase in patients reporting mood disorders or anxiety in the six months after Covid-19 infection.

Covid-19 patients have also reported stress from enduring a potentially fatal or life-altering disease, fear of illness, uncertainty about the future, and traumatic memories of severe illness and social isolation. These are factors that carry into their personal and professional lives long after the virus has left their bodies.

Increased need for mental health care

The impacts of both the virus itself and its broader social implications have made people more susceptible to anxiety, depression, stress, sleep troubles and substance abuse. Individuals suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may find that the pandemic has triggered certain symptoms. As a result, NHS mental health services are struggling to cope with the number of people seeking help. Research carried out in October 2020 by the Royal College of Psychiatrists found that, nearly two-thirds of people wait more than four weeks between their initial consultation and their first appointment; one in four wait more than three months.

If they can, some people will choose to pursue private mental health care, though the cost is significant and this financial stress can in and of itself contribute to further strains.

As an employer, enabling access to mental health care is essential for employee wellbeing and the strength of your business. This can include a robust health plan that connects employees to mental health specialists from the comfort of their own home.

With society transitioning into a phase of learning to live with the virus long-term, learning to address its impacts on mental health is an essential part of any company’s success and resilience.

This article is provided by Syrona Health.