The Effects of the

COVID-19
Pandemic on a
Person’s Overall
Well-being
Monica Torres
Health 300 Sec. 002
Fall 2020
What is COVID-19 ?
❏ COVID-19 (also known as Coronavirus) is a
infectious disease caused by a newly discovered
coronavirus. Coronaviruses, named for the
crown-like spikes on their surfaces, are a large
family of viruses that are common in people and
many different species of animals, including
camels, cattle, cats, and bats (Cdc.gov). However,
the exact source of this virus has not been
identified.
❏ Some symptoms that have been seen to affect a
person physically include: tiredness, dry cough,
fever, diarrhea, loss of taste/smell, and a rash on
skin. More serious symptoms include shortness of
breath, chest pain, and loss of speech/
movement.
Some more information/ facts
❏ Covid-19 can be spread through mainly
through respiratory droplets produced
when an infected person coughs or
sneezes. These droplets can land in the
mouths or noses of people who are
nearby or possibly be inhaled into the
lungs.
❏ It first outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in
December 2019.
❏ Though in this exact moment there is no
cure for COVID-19, there is a vaccine that
is in the process of being available.
 Isolation/ Quarantine Effects on
Somebody
❏ Since the forced/ recommended isolation/
quarantine there has been an increase in mental
and neurological manifestations. This includes
delirium, anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression.
“In addition, COVID‐19 is likely to exacerbate
pre‐existing mental health, neurological and
substance use disorders, while limiting access for
those in need of services” (Ghebreyesus, 2020).
❏ There has also decrease in moderate-to-vigorous
physical activity levels and increase in sedentary
behavior (Peçanha, Goessler, Roschel, & Gualano,
2020). Studies have shown that since there is an
decrease in physical activity there can be an
repercussions for cardiovascular health.
 How Does it Affect Different
Populations
Older People 50 years old and over)

Based on several studies older people or elders are being one of the most affected populations.
Because family members shouldn’t physically go and visit them, this increases loneliness. Social
isolation and loneliness are associated with increases in heart disease, dementia and other health
problems (Clay, 2020).

Adolescents

A study found that out of their study, “43% said they are “very concerned” about the pandemic. As a
whole, adolescents’ stress about COVID-19 was significantly related to poorer adjustment, including more
reported depression and greater loneliness. Adolescents also reported spending substantially more time
on social media after the start of the COVID-19 crisis than they did before the crisis, with 48% spending
more than 5 hr per day since school closure” (Ellis, Dumas, & Forbes, 2020).
More Populations
Adults

Adults have seen an increase in stress and a lack

of physical activity. This because many are now
required to work from home which means that
they are sitting in front of a computer screen while
also possibly taking care of their kids.
Unemployment has also increased with the stay
at home order which is another factor contributing
to stress, anxiety, and depression. Loneliness has
also been observed within this population.
 Ways You Can Do to Cope and What
Others are Doing to Cope
❏ Seek help when needed.

-This applies to both your physical and mental health. Talking to someone can help with
your anxiety or stress.

❏ Inform yourself about COVID-19.

- Being informed with the correct information and doing the extensive research can also
help with anxiety/ stress related to the pandemic.

❏ Doing some type of physical activity.

- Exercise has been shown in numerous studies to have a positive effect on you both
physically and mentally. It could be something as simple as taking a walk around your
neighborhood.
 New Trends?
Cooking at Home

Since quarantine has started more people are cooking at

home. People are trying out new recipes and just cooking at
home is healthier than eating fast food.

Focusing on their Overall Health

I know I talked about how there was an decrease in physical

activity, but some people have taken advantage of this “free
time” to really focus on themselves. Not just physically, but as
well as their mental health. Self- care has been one way many
have been doing to take care of themselves. Others have
began to start to make a conscious effort in living a healthier
lifestyle.
Health Statistics
 My Tips
❏ Try to have a positive mindset
❏ Seek help when you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or suffering from
depression .
❏ Stay in contact with family and friends. Take time to catch up or just to talk.
❏ Do activities that help you relax. It can be painting, drawing, playing some
type of game, reading, and etc.
❏ Write out how you are feeling. I think that just writing out your thought can
be very helpful in lifting off this heaviness you might be feeling.
❏ Exercise or do some type of physical activity. Hiking, yoga, and running are
some of my favorites.
 Conclusion/ Reflection

In conclusion, COVID-19 has had a overall negative impact on our health. I feel like it has
taken a bigger hit on our mental health because of many things like online school,
unemployment, and loss of family and/or friends. It has been a very difficult time for
everyone, but keeping a positive mindset and seeing the good in the bad is one way to help
get through it. I think it has shown us how some things were taken advantage of. Just things
like going to visit family or going to hangout with friends. I do believe we still have a lot to
learn from this pandemic and how we go about preparing ourselves better for the future.
 References
Facts about COVID-19. (n.d.). Retrieved December 07, 2020, from
https://www.tchd.org/829/Facts-about-COVID-19

About COVID-19. (n.d.). Retrieved December 07, 2020, from

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cdcresponse/about-COVID-19.html

Ghebreyesus, T. A. (2020). Addressing mental health needs: An integral part of COVID ‐19 response.
World Psychiatry, 19(2), 129-130. doi:10.1002/wps.20768

Peçanha, T., Goessler, K. F., Roschel, H., & Gualano, B. (2020). Social isolation during the COVID-19
pandemic can increase physical inactivity and the global burden of cardiovascular disease. American
Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 318(6). doi:10.1152/ajpheart.00268.2020

Clay, R. A. (2020). COVID-19 isn't just a danger to older people's physical health. Retrieved December
07, 2020, from https://www.apa.org/news/apa/2020/03/covid-19-danger-physical-health

Ellis, W. E., Dumas, T. M., & Forbes, L. M. (2020). Physically isolated but socially connected:
Psychological adjustment and stress among adolescents during the initial COVID-19 crisis. Canadian
Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue Canadienne Des Sciences Du Comportement, 52(3), 177-187.
doi:10.1037/cbs0000215