The Hidden Symptom of COVID-19: Anxiety
May is Mental Health Month, although you wouldn’t know it with COVID-19. Black people in particular are suffering disproportionately during this pandemic. Many suffer from anxiety due to juggling their finances, family, and health. This physical suffering has taken a mental toll on Black people around the country.
Coronavirus and the Black Community
Black people make up only 13% of the population in the United States. According to a new study, however, they account for 52% of COVID diagnoses. Additionally, they account for 58% of coronavirus deaths. Another study in Connecticut showed the infection rate for the Black population in Connecticut was double the infection rate for the white population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has missing data, with almost 78% of their data missing details on race and ethnicity as of mid-April. Academic studies like those above are vital in order to make sure the community receives the help it needs. Many people worry that because government agencies have a history of ignoring Black communities, this lack of data will exacerbate the issue. Blacks are overrepresented as “essential” workers, which means more risk of exposure. Yes, physical health is affected by COVID-19 but the mental health of the Black Community has equally suffered.
Mental Health in Black Communities
The loss, isolation, and anxiety surrounding COVID-19 have taken their toll on the Black community over the past 2 months. Posey-Green, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who co-owns a Wellness practice that focuses on Black women, recently spoke with NBC Connecticut. She states that her clients have been worried, frequently asking her, “When will this be over and will I be able to survive this?” Many of her clients work on the front lines as essential workers during the pandemic, causing increased worry and anxiety. They have to juggle family, work, and the stresses of isolation, all while worrying about their own health and the health of their loved ones.
These anxieties are compounded by Black people’s general lack of trust in the healthcare system due to historic wrongdoings. This distrust stops many people from seeking help from medical professionals, both for physical ailments and mental health care.
What Now?
In this stressful time, it is vitally important that people take care of their mental health. There are resources that people can use while staying safe. Social media sites can help connect people in a time that they are physically separated from other community members. Social media and apps can also connect people to therapists and other mental health specialists. While quarantine and isolation make it difficult, use the Mental Health Month of May to focus on taking baby steps towards better mental health.
1. Take a break
2. Get active
3. Eat Well
4. Take a break
5. Do something you’re good at
Feel free to comment on how COVID-19 has impacted your mental health or how you are staying healthy during this time!
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