Experts Warn COVID Lockdown Takes a Toll on Mental Health

(Newswire.net — September 20, 2022) Orlando, FL — Over decades, researchers have been warning against stress, depression, anxiety, and even loneliness. The prevalence of loneliness has been magnified since the start of the pandemic. 

A large-scale online study was carried out and spearheaded by the University of Exeter and King’s College London, and funded by The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

In this research, the investigators found that in adults aged 50 and older, loneliness during the Covid-19 lockdown was associated with the worsening of depressive and other mental health symptoms. 

It is worth noting that loneliness emerged as a key factor associated with worsening depression and anxiety symptoms. This is demonstrated in this study, which involved over 3,000 individuals aged 50 and above. 

The investigators had access to data dating back to 2015 for participants of the PROTECT online study. 

The study findings have also shown a reduction in physical activity since the lockdown and restrictions started was linked with the worsening of symptoms of depression and anxiety during the pandemic.

There are also other factors identified, such as being female and being retired. 

“Even before the pandemic, loneliness and physical activity levels were a huge issue in society, particularly among older people,” said Dr. Byron Creese.

Dr Byron Creese spearheaded the study and is from the University of Exeter Medical School.

“We found that during the lockdown, loneliness and decreased physical activity were associated with more symptoms of poor mental health, especially depression. It’s now crucial that we build on this data to find new ways to mitigate the risk of worsening mental health during the pandemic,” Dr. Creese added.

Aside from maintaining immune system strength, health authorities have also been stressing the relevance of taking some measures to enhance mental health.

It is worth noting that there are many all-natural ways scientifically found helpful in fighting anxiety, stress, and depression caused by this pandemic.

Some kitchen ingredients like the use of turmeric may even potentially offer benefits. This ancient medicinal spice is being studied due to its phytochemical called curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Various research studies have demonstrated curcumin has shown potential in battling anxiety, stress, and depression. Today, it is widely consumed through the use of supplements like Divine Bounty Curcumin.

Through the use of this formula, consumers would be able to benefit from curcumin’s therapeutic agents. In addition to having antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, it also has genoprotective, antifungal, adaptogenic, antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, antiproliferative, antiviral, renoprotective, antifibrotic, neurorestorative, and metal-chelating properties

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