Do you think we will see a rise in PTSD related to the global pandemic?

Question

I personally think we will. 
This is new territory for all of us. It's a historical event filled with uncertainty. 
I constantly feel on edge and anxious for what is to come. Many things in my life have changed because of it. I consider this all very traumatic.

Accepted Answer

Maybe more anxiety or uncertainty, but not PTSD. *Personal option,* but PTSD should not be thrown around lightly. Soldiers, first responders, 911 dispatchers, people involved in serious crimes (rape and sexual assault, murder of loved ones, kidnapping), or the Holocaust-just to name a few (there are more) probably have PTSD. I don’t think this will cause a spike in PTSD.

Answer

Yes, but feeling on edge and anxious us normal right now. That’s not what PTSD is. I hope people don’t start self diagnosing in large numbers.

Answer

I’m thinking a rise in prenatal depression and post-partum depression. I’m 30 weeks now and can feel the isolation taking a toll on me. I do not want to bring my baby into to this world in the middle of all of this. I pray for the moms who are currently birthing their babies or who will be very soon. It’s scary enough with newborns.

Answer

Check on those you know with PTSD or suspect have it. Times and situations like these can worsen symptoms. 
My great grandmother had significant trauma due to the Spanish Flu in 1918, which was extremely virulent and deadly. She was never diagnosed with PTSD, but it wasn’t really a diagnosis then.

Answer

Anxiety and depression will rise long before PTSD. 
I would say those who had it and the families of those who have died may be diagnosed with a form of PTSD later on. 
 It for the most part, anxiety and depression will rise.

Answer

PTSD no, anxiety yes

Answer

Ptsd? Seriously? My goodness! I’m not saying not to be concerned about what’s happening but people are blowing this way out of proportion. The panic and mass hysteria is what’s going to harm people.

Answer

Im sorry! Try to take care of yourself! 
Betterhelp might be a good idea for therapists online.
I mean, me too. Im freaking out to a reasonable degree.

Answer

I mean, anxiety and stress are a normal response to this situation and that’s different that ptsd, which is trauma related. I’m actually finding this week less stressful than the last 5. I’ve been berserk watching this and seeing it minimized by other people and the government. I couldn’t sleep or eat, I felt like I was watching a tidal wave come in and the people around me were saying “oh that? That’s just a small wave and besides, it’s way out there.” Happy to see some action taking place. I’m not sure it’s enough. But it’s better than 2 weeks ago.

Answer

I don't want to make predictions about PTSD, but I do think people will likely experience higher levels of depression and anxiety, not only due to fears of the virus spreading and loss of life, but also due to isolation. There will be a significant impact there, as isolation has been shown over and over to be terribly damaging psychologically, emotionally, and even physically. The loss of human interaction is dangerous, which is something that needs to be looked at even as we are practicing isolation. People have died as a result of isolation. We were not created to live completely solitary lives, we were made for relationship and we need it to function well. However, I also believe that we are more resilient than we give ourselves credit for. Already we are seeing people helping each other in unique ways. As bad as it seems, coronavirus is not the worst thing humanity has ever seen. It is uncomfortable and a little unnerving because it's new and we don't have a handle on it yet, but as with so many other things, this too shall pass. It will leave a mark on all of us who live through it, but we will survive and we will keep on living. What we need to do is support each other, go the extra mile for the weakest among us, and extend grace and kindness in a world that is full of unknowns right now. And we need to be thinking about how we can best support those suffering mental distress once this is all over.

Do you think we will see a rise in PTSD related to the global pandemic?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey