As time passes, the serious and longlasting impacts of coronavirus lockdowns continue to become more apparent.
One of the most upfront consequences deals with jobs in the United States. Due to shutdowns, tens of millions of American workers lost their employment and healthcare insurance. Last month marked an unexpected burst in job growth; however, economic researchers are already predicting that more job loss — some of it permanent — will happen in the months to come.
Mental health is another area that took some extensive body blows amid coronavirus lockdowns. Despite claims that such measures “saved lives,” suicidal thoughts and other mental health issues surged in recent months, confirms Washington Examiner.
A Closer Look at Mental Health Issues and Lockdowns
According to findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25% of younger individuals experienced depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts between April and June of this year.
This coincides with the time in which governors began shelter-in-place orders. Amid lockdowns, people were unable to work, largely dependent on government, and unsure of when (or if) life would ever resume to normal.
As CDC director Redfield has said, the coronavirus "has very limited pathogenicity under age 45."
Lockdowns, college closures, sports cancellations. These things are driving young people toward suicide.
It's unconscionable.
— Phil Kerpen (@kerpen) August 13, 2020
Americans who were already dealing with the stressors of caring for older or sick individuals also suffered mentally due to coronavirus and the reactions that followed.
It’s critical to point out that the surge in mental health issues this year marks a steep increase from where they were in 2019. Many individuals who are in favor of lockdowns and even now calling for the nation to shut down again remain considerably quiet about these latest CDC findings.
What is the Solution?
Right now, Americans remain largely divided on what the solutions to handling coronavirus are.
Some folks, mainly those among the right-wing, are calling for measured mitigation strategies and a safe, continued reopening of various economic sectors. Conservatives also remain in favor of reopening schools, stating that children’s mental, emotional, and social health will suffer if they’re kept out of classrooms.
We need more optimism in this country. There's too much negativity right now.
We're in a good spot in our fight against #COVID19. We've learned how to better treat this virus. So let's be optimistic and set a better tone for our children. pic.twitter.com/TSqGmU11gT
— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) August 5, 2020
Americans who disagree with the pointers listed above are overwhelmingly supportive of measures like shutdowns and mandatory mask orders. For months now, both of these measures have turned out to be controversial and divisive; to date, violent confrontations and even loss of life have happened due to attempted enforcement of face mask mandates.
What do you think about the revelations regarding mental health amid COVID-19? What do you view as the appropriate solutions going forward? Let us know in the comments section below!
