The Lasting Mental Health Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
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The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t just affect physical health—it also caused serious and lasting mental health problems for people around the world. Early in the pandemic, people struggled with fear of the virus, isolation, and major changes to their daily lives. Now, even years later, many are still dealing with anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping (World Health Organization, 2023).
Studies show that even those who had mild COVID-19 often experience long-lasting symptoms like fatigue, memory issues, and “brain fog.” These problems are linked with emotional struggles, and many people find it harder to work or enjoy life because of them (WHO, 2023).
Young people, especially teens, have been deeply affected. A study from the National Institute of Mental Health found that teens assessed after COVID-related lockdowns had higher rates of anxiety and depression. They also showed changes in their brain development, including signs of early aging in brain areas related to memory, stress, and decision-making (Gotlib et al., 2022). Another study found these mental health issues continued for at least two years into the pandemic (Jones et al., 2023).
Adults are also still struggling. According to a KFF report, many adults—especially young adults and women—continue to experience depression and anxiety (KFF, 2023). Young adults faced school and job disruptions, while many women took on extra caregiving responsibilities during lockdowns.
Older adults weren’t spared either. A study from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging found that older people who likely had COVID-19 were more likely to feel depressed, anxious, and lonely, and they reported a lower quality of life even months after infection (Pierce et al., 2022).
Mental health struggles have also been worse among people with lower income, less education, and marginalized groups such as racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. A review on PubMed Central found that these groups had higher rates of mental health issues during the pandemic, likely due to long-standing inequality and fewer resources (Galea et al., 2022). A study in Italy found that people in poorer areas suffered more severe mental health impacts (Di Girolamo et al., 2021).
Healthcare workers, who were on the front lines, experienced extreme stress and burnout. A CDC report found many of them had serious mental health symptoms, but few got professional help (CDC, 2022). This puts both their well-being and patient care at risk.
Grief has also been harder during the pandemic. Many couldn’t say goodbye to loved ones or hold proper funerals. This has led to prolonged grief and even mental health conditions like Prolonged Grief Disorder (Eisma et al., 2021).
Despite all this, some people have shown strong resilience. Supportive friends and family, healthy sleep, and good coping skills have helped many recover. Resilience, research shows, can be built with the right tools and support (Southwick et al., 2014).
In conclusion, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are serious and ongoing. We need long-term support systems, especially for the most affected groups—teens, healthcare workers, marginalized communities, and those grieving. Continued research and investment in mental health care are critical to help people heal.
Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.
References:
Studies show that even those who had mild COVID-19 often experience long-lasting symptoms like fatigue, memory issues, and “brain fog.” These problems are linked with emotional struggles, and many people find it harder to work or enjoy life because of them (WHO, 2023).
Young people, especially teens, have been deeply affected. A study from the National Institute of Mental Health found that teens assessed after COVID-related lockdowns had higher rates of anxiety and depression. They also showed changes in their brain development, including signs of early aging in brain areas related to memory, stress, and decision-making (Gotlib et al., 2022). Another study found these mental health issues continued for at least two years into the pandemic (Jones et al., 2023).
Adults are also still struggling. According to a KFF report, many adults—especially young adults and women—continue to experience depression and anxiety (KFF, 2023). Young adults faced school and job disruptions, while many women took on extra caregiving responsibilities during lockdowns.
Older adults weren’t spared either. A study from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging found that older people who likely had COVID-19 were more likely to feel depressed, anxious, and lonely, and they reported a lower quality of life even months after infection (Pierce et al., 2022).
Mental health struggles have also been worse among people with lower income, less education, and marginalized groups such as racial minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. A review on PubMed Central found that these groups had higher rates of mental health issues during the pandemic, likely due to long-standing inequality and fewer resources (Galea et al., 2022). A study in Italy found that people in poorer areas suffered more severe mental health impacts (Di Girolamo et al., 2021).
Healthcare workers, who were on the front lines, experienced extreme stress and burnout. A CDC report found many of them had serious mental health symptoms, but few got professional help (CDC, 2022). This puts both their well-being and patient care at risk.
Grief has also been harder during the pandemic. Many couldn’t say goodbye to loved ones or hold proper funerals. This has led to prolonged grief and even mental health conditions like Prolonged Grief Disorder (Eisma et al., 2021).
Despite all this, some people have shown strong resilience. Supportive friends and family, healthy sleep, and good coping skills have helped many recover. Resilience, research shows, can be built with the right tools and support (Southwick et al., 2014).
In conclusion, the mental health effects of COVID-19 are serious and ongoing. We need long-term support systems, especially for the most affected groups—teens, healthcare workers, marginalized communities, and those grieving. Continued research and investment in mental health care are critical to help people heal.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health effects of long COVID, other mental health issues, or substance abuse, there is hope. New Dimensions can help you develop the coping skills you need to face life’s challenges and overcome those problems. Our team of experienced therapists and psychiatrists can help you develop the skills you need to thrive. To schedule a complementary assessment or to find out more about our programs, you can contact us at 800-685-9796 or visit www.nddtreatment.com.Our affiliate, MHThrive, provides Individual Therapy, Couples and Marriage Counseling, and Family Therapy at our locations in Katy, The Woodlands, and the Clear Lake area of Houston, Texas. We also provide telehealth therapy for anyone who resides within the State of Texas. To schedule an appointment with one of the MHThrive therapists, contact us at 713-477-0333 or visit www.mhthrive.com to learn more.
References:
- Albuquerque, S., Pennetta, G., Coelho, A., Pinto, R. J., & Delalibera, M. (2025). Navigating grief in unprecedented times: Risk factors in the wake of pandemic loss and end-of-life care. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 30(4), 663–676. https://doi.org/10.1080/13548506.2024.2417312
- Bourmistrova, N. W., Solomon, T., Braude, P., Strawbridge, R., & Carter, B. (2022). Long-term effects of COVID-19 on mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 299, 118–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.11.031
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Mental health symptoms among healthcare workers — United States, 2022. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
- Eisma, M. C., Boelen, P. A., & Lenferink, L. I. M. (2021). Prolonged grief disorder following the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical Psychology Review, 83, 101951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101951
- Galea, S., Merchant, R. M., & Lurie, N. (2022). The mental health consequences of COVID-19 and physical distancing: The need for prevention and early intervention. PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7151415/
- Gotlib, I. H., Colich, N. L., Germony, S. E., Ordaz, S. J., & Tottenham, N. (2022). COVID-19 and accelerated brain aging in adolescents. Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science, 2(1), 49–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.03.008
- Goveas, J. S., & Shear, M. K. (2021). Grief and the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults. FOCUS, 19(3). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.19303
- Jones, S. E., Ethier, K. A., Hertz, M., & Gaylor, E. (2023). Mental health trends among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA Pediatrics, 177(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2022.4494
- Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). Mental health and substance use concerns remain elevated: KFF Health Tracking Poll. https://www.kff.org
- Koltuska-Haskin, B. (2025, March 22). Long-term COVID-19 is real: Recent studies examine the causes and effects of long-term COVID-19. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/za/blog/how-my-brain-works/202503/long-term-covid-19-is-real
- Panchal, N., Saunders, H., Rudowitz, R., & Cox, C. (2023, March 20). The implications of COVID-19 for mental health and substance use. KFF. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
- Pasha, A., Inusah, A. H. S., Nayem, J., Li, X., & Qiao, S. (2025). A systematic review of psychological resilience in the COVID-19 responses: Current research and future directions. medRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.15.25322337
- Pierce, M., Hope, H., Ford, T., Hatch, S., Hotopf, M., John, A., Kontopantelis, E., Webb, R., Wessely, S., McManus, S., & Abel, K. M. (2022). Mental health before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal probability sample survey of the UK population. The Lancet Public Health, 7(5), e370–e378. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(22)00042-7
- Rosas, L. S., & Esperandio, M. R. G. (2025). Impact of the contextual factors regarding the COVID-19 pandemic on bereavement: An integrative review of the literature from a bioethical perspective. Annali dell'Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 61(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/11287462.2024.2442162
- Southwick, S. M., Bonanno, G. A., Masten, A. S., Panter-Brick, C., & Yehuda, R. (2014). Resilience definitions, theory, and challenges: Interdisciplinary perspectives. Depression and Anxiety, 31(3), 197–206. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22134
- Wang, Y., Zhang, L., Li, T., & Chen, X. (2025). Relationship between resilience and mental health among COVID-19 bereaved people: The mediating role of dual process coping. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology, 15, 20451253251328607. https://doi.org/10.1177/20451253251328607
- World Health Organization. (2023). Post COVID-19 condition (Long COVID). https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-post-covid-19-condition
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09 July, 2025 |
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