During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries imposed strict lockdown measures that required people to stay at home and away from the workplace. These restrictions can have a devastating impact on mental health, especially for young people.
The present study investigated how loneliness, mood, perceived immune fitness, and COVID-19 symptoms are affected during a COVID-19 lockdown. It also evaluated whether living alone or together with others is a risk factor for these effects.
Loneliness
In addition to physical isolation, young people often experience loneliness during lockdown because of a lack of social interaction. This is especially true for teenagers who are building their identity and developing their sense of belonging through friendships.However, research shows that it is possible to reduce feelings of loneliness.
Identify the Cause of Loneliness
A change in life situation, such as losing a loved one or ending a relationship, can make people feel lonely. Relocating to a new place can also lead to a feeling of isolation.
Find Activities That You Enjoy
Finding a hobby that you enjoy can help you connect with other people and build relationships. Consider joining a book club, art class, or fitness group.
In fact, a 2020 study found that it is easier to overcome loneliness when you find hobbies that interest you. It can also help to find people who share your values, interests, and attitudes.
Stress
Stress is a natural response to a perceived threat, which triggers an immediate burst of hormones and chemicals in your body. This response is called the “fight-or-flight” response and helps you react quickly, fight hard, or run fast if needed.
However, chronic, prolonged stress can have serious health effects on you. It can suppress your immune system, upset your digestive and reproductive systems, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and even rewire your brain, leaving you more susceptible to mental health problems.
Lockdown restrictions disrupted many aspects of daily life, from working to earning a living to studying and relationships. While some people were able to adapt, others struggled with their mental health in the wake of COVID-19 lockdowns.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health problem that can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, loneliness, and feelings of social isolation. It is also linked to biological differences in the brain.
Young people may have a more challenging time dealing with depression than older people because they have less experience with mental health problems. This is particularly true of young people living alone.
The study found that people who were young and lived alone experienced significantly more anxiety, fatigue, loneliness, depression, PTSD symptoms, and sleep disturbances than other groups. They also reported fewer health activities.
These results are similar to others, which have found that being young and living alone is a strong predictor of poor mental health during lockdowns. It is essential that we address this issue and provide ways to help those who are living alone during a COVID-19 lockdown. This will be especially important as the lockdowns continue for more extended periods of time.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural reaction to threats. but it can also be triggered by life events and chronic stresses. It can lead to a lot of unnecessary worry and feelings of helplessness, which may not go away on their own.
In addition, anxiety can have a negative impact on your health and relationships. If your worries are causing physical symptoms like muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue. f they’re making you feel sad or depressed, you should see a doctor or a mental health professional.
Researchers from Clare College, Cambridge, used a survey to study how a COVID-19 lockdown affects young people’s well-being and mood. Their results show that the feeling of loneliness is significantly higher for those living alone. than for those living together during a COVID-19 lockdown. They also found that mood declines and perceived immune fitness decreases during a lockdown. But positive correlations were also seen between mood outcomes and being active, optimistic, and able to cope with stress.