Global Studies Predict Surge in Depression and Anxiety Post-Pandemic

Global studies foresee a very imminent rise in cases of depression, anxiety and distress among medical personnel as well as the general public.

Possible causes of this increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation cited by the research include grief following the loss of loved ones, helplessness and excessive concern about contracting or spreading the virus to others.

The surveys also add social isolation, born of social distancing measures, loneliness, abrupt changes in daily habits and especially unemployment and financial insecurity as major triggers of depressive and post-traumatic stress.

Already, researchers are proposing in a report published in the medical journal Neuropsychopharmacology, low-cost, scalable and easy-to-use solutions. They recommend next-generation platforms: the use of mobile phones and digital platforms, virtual reality games, telepsychiatry, guided meditation and mindfulness practices.

The integration of these personalized, scalable and above all low-cost interventions with "Big Data" analytical approaches can help us better prepare to promote cognitive resilience and mental health on a daily basis, and critically during a global pandemic.