During this pandemic, depression and anxiety has affected many people’s mental health. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, both depression and anxiety have increased by 41.1% since the start of the pandemic. This year, Covid has caused challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and evoke strong emotions in adults and children. Mental health has affected millions of people all over the world especially now during the pandemic. People have lost many family members, which is extremely challenging at any time. But even those who have not lost family members are feeling the effects of the pandemic since we can’t get close to or hug loved ones.  

Students during the pandemic have lost the ability to stay focused in school because they are easily distracted at home. Students in universities have to struggle during this time since they have to review recorded lectures, take class notes on their own, and complete textbook work. All of this work has caused them to be overwhelmed and stressed. All over the world, people have been dealing with stress during the pandemic. People have lost jobs, have struggled to pay rent and other bills, and have seen an increase in symptoms of mental illness. Parents have been overwhelmed about school closure and childcare. Children and parents have dealt with experiencing ongoing disruption, changes to their daily routines, and they are concerned about everyone’s mental health.

Some strategies that may help decrease depression and anxiety include meditating, avoiding stress, exercise, sleeping, take a walk, and talking to a therapist.