Experts Warn COVID-19 Has Detrimental Effects on Mental Health

(Newswire.net — August 6, 2021) Orlando, FL — Covid-19 continues to affect more and more people and produce high mortality rates. It is worth keeping in mind that in some studies, it has actually been found to take a toll on mental health.

The Penn State researchers carried out a study and found that in the first months of the pandemic, children were experiencing increased levels of internalizing issues like anxiety and depression. Further, they also had externalizing problems including disruptive and aggressive behavior, more so than before the pandemic. 

Parents have further reported that they themselves were suffering from much higher levels of depression. They even had reduced levels of co-parenting quality with their partners.

The study involved data from 129 families, which include 122 mothers and 84 fathers, with an average of 2.3 children per family. 

The results of the study were recently published in the Family Process journal.

According to Mark Feinberg, the results give insight into just how devastating periods of family and social stress can be for parents and children, and how important a good co-parenting relationship can be for family well-being.

Feinberg is a research professor of health and human development at Penn State.

“Stress in general — whether daily hassles or acute, crisis-driven stress — typically leads to greater conflict and hostility in family relationships,” Feinberg said. 

Due to the findings of this study, the researchers suggest that if parents are able to offer support to each other in these situations, they would be more patient and supportive with their children.

Cross-sectional studies have previously shown the negative effects of the pandemic on families. However, this research is one of the first to measure the level of changes in these factors within families before and after the pandemic.

“When the pandemic hit, like many people, I was very anxious and worried,” Feinberg said. 

Depression and anxiety are undeniably common today, and they actually continue to reduce the overall quality of life of many people. It is worth keeping in mind that scientists are increasingly investigating the potentially helpful remedies for these mental health issues.

Some studies have found that the use of nutrients like B vitamins has brain health benefits, particularly favorable to mental well-being. There are studies suggesting that intake of these nutrients helped in easing or reducing anxiety and depression. 

There have been quite a number of research studies investigating the effects of B vitamins on mental health. Today, they are widely consumed through the use of formulas like Divine Bounty B Vitamin Complex.

It contains Choline, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Thiamin, and vitamin B6 (amazon.com/dp/B07414752B).