The epidemic has been disastrous, as you are well aware. In our haste to go back to normal, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that the pandemic’s influence extends far beyond the news stories about vaccinations and variations, and may be having long-lasting consequences on our lives in ways we’re unaware of.
For quite some time, scientists have investigated how our brains react to stress. The structural and functional effects of traumatic stress on the brain, including its effects on memory and executive functioning, have been the subject of several investigations. Some argue that mental illness is a major contributor to low productivity on the job; studies have shown that people with mental illness are more likely to experience burnout, disengagement, and even physical health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.
Taking into account the tremendous strain the epidemic has had on society, we are left with a subject that scholars will most certainly continue to investigate for the foreseeable future: Did the epidemic affect our brains in any way?
A recent study aimed at answering this issue and sparked a discussion on what the researchers are referring to as “pandemic brain” from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Can you define “pandemic brain” for me?
Lead author Ludovica Brusaferri is a postdoctoral research researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. She claims that a collection of symptoms known as “pandemic brain” includes symptoms including despair, exhaustion, and brain fog. Inflammation in the brains of healthy persons (those who haven’t contracted COVID-19) might be the cause of these symptoms, according to Brusaferri and her colleagues.
Brusaferri clarifies that protracted COVID is an infection and pandemic brain is not, therefore while the two conditions have certain symptoms, they are really very distinct. “Generally speaking, the symptoms in long COVID tend to be more severe and debilitating,” Brusaferri says, adding, “‘pandemic brain’ does not require an infection and is thought to be mostly linked to mental and physical/social stressors.”
So, how exactly does “pandemic brain” relate to efficiency?
“Pandemic brain” might be a factor if you’re having trouble getting things done. Getting things done may become rather challenging when you’re dealing with symptoms like sadness, exhaustion, and cognitive fog.
Silvi Saxena, a registered social worker and trained therapeutic trauma practitioner, says that the brain is sensitive and adaptive. Saxena was not engaged with the Harvard/Mass General “pandemic brain” study. She explains that people with PTSD experience “similar types of chronic stress or trauma” after being exposed to continual stress, such as living during a pandemic. “Working in an essential job increases the risk, and other risk factors include living in constant fear of death, being in an environment where death is prevalent, and losing a loved one to COVID.”
Regrettably, the probability of suffering from “pandemic brain” grows in proportion to the elevation of your stress levels. In the workplace, this might manifest as inability to concentrate, chronic fatigue, or an overall lack of vitality. This has to be acknowledged as a genuine issue and addressed, regardless of how it manifests in your personal life.
So, what are your options?
There may be something you can do to alleviate this neuroinflammation, even if the precise cause is still a mystery. Possible causes include increased stress, social isolation, financial hardship, lifestyle changes, or a mix of these and other variables.
According to Saxena, dealing with stress and psychosocial disorders is very essential while attempting to prevent or recover from neuroinflammation. “The effects of stress on the physical brain are difficult to conceptualize, but the evidence is overwhelming.” We must take preventative measures to safeguard ourselves when the stress levels skyrocket owing to factors such as emerging infectious diseases, shaky economies, changing climate, political unrest, and more.
Here are some suggestions to consider if you are stuck for ideas:
Examine what you normally do each day. Developing regular, healthful practices is something that many experts stress. On the other hand, “behavior relapse” is a real possibility if you try to tackle too much at once. Instead, try incorporating tried-and-true stress relievers into your routine little by little, such keeping a diary, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
Exercise regularly. Exercising regularly is essential for good brain health, according to a 2019 research, and it may even help stave against disorders caused by neuroinflammation.
Take a vacation from yourself. It may come as a surprise, but practicing self-compassion may really improve your mental health and ability to handle stress. Could you describe it? Kristin Neff, a psychologist, lays forth the three pillars of self-compassion as follows:(1) replacing judgment and self-criticism with kindness;(2) accepting that one is flawed; and(3) cultivating an attitude of awareness.
Give mindfulness and meditation a go. Neuroinflammation has been the subject of several investigations into the potential benefits of mindfulness activities such as yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises. A single 10-minute guided meditation session may enhance your capacity to focus, according to one research.
Make connections. Zoom meetings and online get-togethers with pals saw a surge in activity just when the epidemic started. Even while the initial excitement has faded after a few years, some still feel awkward interacting with strangers face-to-face, particularly as winter approaches and more and more events are held inside. On the other hand, keeping in touch with loved ones, friends, and colleagues may help alleviate tension, even if you aren’t aware of it happening. Anything is better than nothing, so go ahead and set up that Zoom meeting, organise that virtual gaming night, or even just send a short SMS.
Get assistance from an expert. Everyone knows that we’ve been saying it over and over again for years: these are unprecedented times, and there is no manual on how to deal with them. In your personal and professional life, a therapist may be an invaluable asset.
The epidemic may have ended for some, but its repercussions are still very much with us. While we’re in a mad dash to go back to the usual, keep in mind that our brains are responding to increased stress levels subconsciously. In the end, it’s OK if you’re having trouble. When stress becomes too much to bear, that’s OK. It’s OK if your levels of productivity are changing. Needing to seek for assistance? That’s perfectly OK. Keep in mind that you and your thoughts are not in this alone, and always remember to be kind with yourself and others around you.
