How the Pandemic Changed People's Mental Health

October 28, 2025

3 min read

Research data on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health suggest that during the pandemic there was an increase in eating disorders and depression, alcohol and drug use, divorce, domestic violence, and suicide. Now that the worst is seemingly behind us, many people are experiencing some sort of PTSD. So how does it manifest itself?

Key takeaways

Research data on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health suggest that during the pandemic there was an increase in eating disorders and depression, alcohol and drug use, divorce, domestic violence, and suicide.
There is a massive need for mental health help
Online therapy has evolved

Who this is for

People exploring Mental health through psychology, post-covid.

Why it matters

This piece helps you get oriented quickly, then move into a collection or series if you want to keep going.

Article author

Dr. Irene

Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist

There is a massive need for mental health help

The stress of the pandemic has affected almost everyone, but especially those who have struggled with the disease. People began to see therapists, neurologists, and psychologists more often with complaints such as fear of isolation and loneliness, panic over job and income loss, and an inability to adjust to their new lives.

According to research in the journal General Hospital Psychiatry, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rates are particularly high in patients who have been hospitalized with COVID-19. And a study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that one-third of patients with COVID-19 were diagnosed with neurological or psychological problems within six months of being infected. Diagnoses included anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychosis.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can occur in anyone who has struggled with the virus or watched a loved one do so.

Effective treatments for long-term post-traumatic PTSD include trauma therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to develop new behaviors, and group therapy.

Online therapy has evolved

During the pandemic, people experienced collective psychological trauma and, in an attempt to deal with their thoughts and feelings, discussed them online. During this period, online counseling from psychologists grew in demand.

Online therapy became the norm and, for the duration of the general quarantine, replaced the usual doctor's appointment. It turned out that it was possible to get quality medical care online without leaving home or sitting in hospitals, which requires waiting for an appointment.

Online therapy continues to be the dominant way to get mental health help, as people have come to appreciate its convenience and benefits.

Fear of loneliness is exacerbated

One reason for the high level of stress during the pandemic was social isolation. People worried that they might not see their friends and family again, and those hospitalized feared dying alone. All of this contributed to the development of serious PTSD. In addition to discomfort and stress, social isolation had potentially life-threatening consequences because loneliness and PTSD symptoms were associated with suicidal thoughts.

A new phobia, COVID-19, emerged

In addition to becoming more acute during the pandemic and some people developing mysophobia (obsessive fear of infection and fear of touching objects), coronaphobia — excessive fear of contracting the virus that causes COVID-19 — has also emerged. It is characterized by paranoia about any disease-like physiological symptoms, an increased need for safety, and avoidance of public places. The triggers of this phobia are related to the possibility of contracting the virus and include meeting people, leaving home, traveling, and reading news about the emergence of new strains.

Getting a taste of freedom

Even after returning to normal life, the pandemic continues to affect the way people work, study, socialize and look at the world. During the quarantine, we were able to fully appreciate life's little pleasures, such as walking, cycling, fishing, and swimming.

It turned out that even in a pandemic you can find benefits. Many people have switched to a remote work format, so they can work from anywhere in the world. Just three years ago, it was hard to imagine people working at home. Today, many people would find it very difficult to return to offices and work within four walls on a rigid schedule.

Mental health help apps have become popular

During the pandemic, mental health mobile apps have grown in demand. Patients can use these resources to log their moods as well as monitor timely medication and stress levels. An undeniable advantage is 24/7 availability. Thanks to this, the user can get psychological help at any time.

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