What are your thoughts on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on our mental health?
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting our day-to-day lives in many ways – whether you live in Switzerland or as a Swiss citizen abroad.
One thing that is rarely talked about is how the pandemic affects our mental health. Let’s break the silence!
What are your thoughts and / or experiences with this? We’d love to hear from you!
So after two years I've finally hit that wall.
I'm alright but I must say that the changing of goal posts by the Authorities has created a disturbance in my mental health that I'm working hard to deal with.
it is the irrationality that disturbs me.
You can thought he word science at me all you want but some of the Governments/Advisors decisions have nothing to do with Science.
My old argument as been... two people siting in a cafe that normally holds thirty has the same rules as a small cafe... we are not 100% protected by the vaccine and yet when I go to the theater I get to sit in a room packed with people - wearing masks - and this is seemed alright... but I cannot go to a cafe that is empty with out producing my vaccine pass. I'm sorry, but this is madness and basically I've had enough of this nonsense...
I've done the right thing and yet this nonsense still carries on and it did my head in going to a snow area and seeing people in a ski lift without producing a vaccine certificate and wearing most unofficial masks!!
It has affected my mental health and the government no longer has my , residence, support. I look forward to being a citizen and voting against some of these people...
Working from home didn't work out for me.
I tried but there were too many distractions, dog barking, child calling, things from home to do... So I didn't have enough discipline for home office.
I tried but it didn't work out.
Trabalhar em casa não deu certo para mim.
Tentei mas haviam várias distrações, cachorro latindo, criança chamando, coisas de casa para fazer... Então não tive disciplina suficiente para o home office.
Tentei mas não deu.
It‘s interesting to read people‘s opinions on the positive aspects of working at home :) For me and almost all of my colleagues, this has mostly been awful. Being isolated - even for those of us who have families - and obliged to work at home has led to high rates of depression, anxiety and burnout.
For me, because I‘ve been posted to work in Switzerland on my own, it‘s been especially challenging at times and almost defeated the purpose of my being here. I was supposed to sit with a local team to gain knowledge of technical and manufacturing processes. Because of tight restrictions, that‘s impossible now. I‘m also still recovering from an illness followed by a major operation and a very tough personal situation ;)
I am so grateful for this wonderful work opportunity - but boy, do I wonder how people cope who do not have access to therapy and a supportive family via mobile or Zoom.
Best to all fellow internationals through these times
At the end of the day there are positive things like home office, more time for family. I suffered a lot with commuting in the past because my boss just liked to see us sitting at the office to give purpose for his job. And now the pandemic has forced companies to change their leadership styles. On the rest, I think that the pandemic is bad enough but the government and media have largely contributed to make it way much worse. Just now I read an article that mentioned “unvaccinated are holding hostage the entire society”. Anyone making such hate inducing statements not only shows lack of understanding of the situation but also must be hold accountable for the social consequences. In a pandemic we need cohesion and not division. A viral infection is a complex problem that needs complex solutions. One fit for all will never work in a biodiverse society. Blackmailing those who do not fit into the “my ways or the high way” strategy can only intoxicate culture for very long time. I lived during communism and the toxicity on culture caused by dictatorship have a devastating and very long lasting consequences where even those who initially got in line with the government end up deeply regretting. At this point considering Switzerland as one of the most developed societies in the entire planet, to see its government using draconian primitive leadership has made me completely loose hope in humanity.
Thank you for your comment and I'm sorry to hear you lost hope. I agree that this really is a complex situation, and that hate can never be a solution. I also think that positive things have come out of this situation, such as the possibility to work from home.
In your experience, what could be some concrete solutions to make sure mental health is regarded in decision-making?
Thank you for reading my response 😋.
From my point of view what causes most of the burden is the sense of injustice, of not being understood, of being forced to follow rules that damage your health. The feelings of frustration and helplessness are highly damaging not only to mental health but also depresses immune system making us more vulnerable not only to Covid but to any other kind of illnesses. And just to think that this is about our health becomes surreal.
I am not in favor neither against vaccination, but I can understand the immense desperation of people who have good reasons to not vaccinate which the government simply does not seem to even be interested in figuring out. The sense of helplessness in horrendous and it wakes up the most basic self defense mechanisms to protect your body not only from Covid but also from the Government, who forces you and does not listen to you and on top it labels you, which creates immediate social division, and in my opinion the Government should not even be allowed to use hate, fear and segregation to achieve its objectives. It is evil.
Most people I know in Switzerland are not ignorant irresponsible anti system people. Switzerland society functions based on trust, respect, transparency and collaboration and this is the main reason it is one of the best countries to live in the entire planet. And it is not a requirement to destroy the culture that has evolved years and years to build the country that Switzerland is today to resolve a crisis.
Like in any crisis, at this moment it is a pandemic, the government of advanced societies should be more sensitive to people’s fears and respond in the same proportion as the severity of the problem. Educated people cannot be mandated just like that without foundation. In developed societies the government’s only duty is to listen and provide accordingly. They get paid for that.
And in terms of the solution, governments should enable all together: vaccines, treatments, invest in research, promote local independent scientific debates, invest in campaigns to improve personal health, it is a fact that poor health increases risks of hospitalization and death from Covid. So if the government wants to reduce hospital burden, then stop selling tobacco, stop selling food that causes obesity and metabolic deseases, those are two of the main risk factors for not only covid but hospital burden too outside covid.
I have read about some in initiatives from Switzerland to invest in 4 Covid treatments and also in a new vaccine using T-Cells. This should have been done earlier and it is unfortunate that so much money was used to follow what “everyone else” did and that now it does not seem to have much potencial to solve the pandemic in the end.
All these and cutting off relationships that involve high degree of conflict of interest with big Pharma or any other capital oriented corporation investing in the pandemic, also promoting healthy social collaboration, positive sense of community, unity and understanding, I can bet my soul that all this will work out drastically much better than what now is happening.
I guess we'll see a massive drop in birth rates. It is impossible to date anyone under the current conditions as there is no room for a social life. That's bad both for society and for the economy.
My two older sisters just gave up after 2 years of on-off lockdowns and limitations on social events.
We're now moving to the country side. There is no reason to stay in the city when you cannot benefit from any of the advantages a big city used to have. And we decided to step outside the workforce forever and just adopt 1-2 children.
It has been awful. I have 2 older sisters and a younger brother.
My brother has been working really long hours and so has one of my older sisters, in the hope that by doing all that the employer asked for they will not lose their jobs.
Both me and my other sister have been working from home for almost 2 years and now our employers want us to go back to the office. This is no longer an option as we moved away from the city during the lock-downs because the country side was cheaper and safer.
All this stress is not good. Between ourselves we are 2 dentists, a software developer and an interior designer+architect. We're seriously contemplating just selling everything we own so we'd live out of the savings and with no job or stress for the next 20 years somewhere in Greece or Spain.
Today and after 2011, specifically, the world has gone through wars and epidemics, which led to the loss of our dearest people and God will accept them with great mercy and inhabited by the vast of his funeral... We have to review 10 years that have passed and the question is (have we wrong with the right of land? Or have we crossed our boundaries and the laws of the Earth?) I believe that this humanity is in punishment from the Earth itself... So we must review an extensive review and hold ourselves accountable in order to understand the present and the future, and this is an... is the last opportunity to rebuild the world from Geneva International and I think we are on a good start to achieve our dreams... The current situation, in my opinion, is the sad reality of the lost love we have, and we must get used to it because this is the case of the people of the dead, and we have one consoled and consoled you.
اليوم و بعد 2011 تحديدا العالم مر بحروب و اوبئة مما أدى لفقدان أعز الناس علينا و ربي يتقبلهم بواسع الرحمة و يسكنهم فسيح جناته ... يجب علينا مراجعة 10 سنوات التي مضت و السؤال هو ( هل غلطنا في حق الأرض ؟ أو هل تجاوزنا حدودنا و قوانين الأرض ؟ ) أعتقد ان هاته البشرية في حالة عقاب من الارض نفسها ... إذن يجب مراجعة موسعة و محاسبة أنفسنا بانفسنا لكي نفهم الحاضر و المستقبل و هاته عبرة لمن يعتبر ... هي الفرصة الأخيرة لإعادة بناء العالم من جنيف الدولية و أعتقد اننا في بداية جيدة لتحقيق أحلامنا ... أما الوضع الحالي من رأيي هو الواقع الحزين لما فقدناه من احبة و يجب علينا التعود على ذلك لان هذا حال أهل الميت و عزانا و عزاكم واحد .
As a consequence of the pandemic whether we like it or not the concept of being forced to use digital technology / online to access everything to function is so moronic lends itself for persons to become indolent with the added risks of increasing obesity ,diabetes and cardiac disease .For our mental health and physical health we need to exercise ,engage in real human interactions to maintain our health .Of course the internet or whatever is useful as a tool but realise the risks for our mental health will increase it is abnormal for humans to be glued to their smart phones or computers 24/7.I have to say reading The Plague by Defoe in the 1600’s the pandemic then was better managed in that borders were actually closed and quarantine actually meant forty days in confinement .Food for thought.Maybe if the pandemic had been better managed then persons mental health concerns may not have been so adversely affected .
Mental illness and mental health ?First mental illness can be serious and life threatening and the pandemic should not have been an excuse to have abandoned specialist care and treatment as is the case .I am concerned that persons views on mental health are being skewed .Crises albeit a pandemic or not we must be resilient and I believe stress to a certain degree actually prepares us to be stronger .In our age especially the younger generations are actually a “snowflake generation”and this is not going to fare well for the future .This new age cannot cope at the end of the day .
My concern is around the enforced confinement that occurred during lockdown of our elderly who perhaps were normally mobile and denied to even access fresh air or being totally alone in their homes I find an absolute travesty for their human rights .Of course the powers that be will not release the real death toll of the elderly who were abandoned ,not being monitored possibly dying from other health conditions including and possibly due to their mental health having deterioated .What the pandemic proves is that the excuse using everything in society for shutting down such as services has increased anger and rage and persons have long memories and I anticipate society will be even more divisive rather than cohesive and will impact on our mental health .
Hello REID, thank you for your contribution! I agree that resilience is vital and mental illnesses need to be taken seriously.
I do, however, disagree with your point of the younger generation being a "snowflake generation". I don't think that is the case, or that a generalisation like that is helpful when discussing issues like this one.
I am curious about your point of the pandemic being an "excuse to abandon specialist care" - do you mean therapists having an overwhelming workload because of the effects the pandemic can have on our mental health? And where exactly is it the case that specialist care has been abandoned?
My views? A mass epidemics of mental problems, especially depression, Swiss-wide and world-wide.
Thank you for your contribution. In your opinion, what are the main reasons?
I'm not affected much mentally, as I'm a lone wolf and do not need to be with people all the time. But, as there is a 7% chance I can still catch the virus, despite being fully vaccinated, I am still reluctant to go out socially, go on holiday, etc, as I will be forced to mix with the 40% unvaccinated (anti-vaxxers). I wish the Government would stop anyone not vaccinated (apart from those whose health would be affected by it) from being allowed to go past their front doors. Temporarily take away the anti-vaxxers freedom to give the unselfish (vaccinated) our freedom.
There is no doubt that patience has not been tested as serious as these days. Even if the victims are old and disabled, we have to echo the saying that old people are our parents and grandparents, otherwise the young people will not understand what is going on and its causes. Whoever does not care about the death of his parents at the expense of his personal pleasure, the responsibility of the parents, who neglects to raise his children on the importance of the family may receive his punishment today.
لا شك أن الصبر لم يخضع لامتحان جدي كما في هذه الأيام. حتى وان كان الضحايا من العجائز، والعجزة، علينا ترديد مقولة أن العجائز هم آباؤنا وأجدادنا، وإلا فإن صغار السن لن يستوعبوا ما يجري وأسبابه. من لا يأبه بموت والديه على حساب متعته الشخصية مسؤولية الوالديْن، من أهمل تربية أبنائه على أهمية العائلة قد ينال عقابه اليوم.
Wouldn't it be better if the federal parliament & ministers, concentrated on getting more people vaccinated and back to work?
We hear about the number of infections, testing, hospitalisations & deaths in the country, but there is Radio silence, little to no information about how the vaccination programme is going. Or if there is anything happening.
When you see whats happening in the UK, you really wonder if the Swiss authorities are doing anything to stem the tide of this pandemic in Switzerland?
The other week the finance minister was moaning about how much money the country is losing/investing in support programmes. Shouldn't he be questioning why the health minister isn't banging the table & getting things sorted out as regards vaccines? That would have a more beneficial impact to boosting up the countries economy.
I already had a viral illness in 2018 with the same consequences as now with severe illness. I was in intensive care for 5 months and 4 weeks in a coma. I was artificially ventilated through a cut in the throat, had kidney failure with dialysis, liters of blood transfusions un
Ich hatte schon 2018 eine Viruserkrankung mit den gleichen Folgen wie jetzt bei schwerer Erkrankung. Da lag ich 5 Monate auf der Intensivstation davon 4 Wochen im Koma. Ich wurde durch einen Schnitt im Hals künstlich beatmet, hatte Nierenversagen mit Dialyse, Literweise Bluttransfusionen un
I believe that people, in this moment of pandemic, are much more frightened and intolerant towards others, I notice worrying attitudes of anger towards others even for trivial reasons and I find the youth very confused.
Credo che le persone, in questo momento di pandemia, siano molto più spaventate ed intolleranti nei confronti del prossimo, noto preoccupanti atteggiamenti di rabbia nei confronti degli altri anche per futili motivi e trovo molto confusa la gioventù
According to the third survey of the Swiss Corona Stress Study, carried out in November 2020, the proportion of people with severe depressive symptoms increased significantly during the second pandemic wave. From 9% in the first spring wave, this rose to 18% in November. Young people in particular are at risk.
Secondo il terzo sondaggio dello Swiss Corona Stress Study, realizzato nel novembre del 2020, la percentuale di persone con gravi sintomi depressivi è aumentata in modo significativo nel corso della seconda ondata pandemica. Dal 9% della prima ondata primaverile si è passati al 18% di novembre. A rischio sono in particolare i giovani.
Living alone is pretty tough.
No matter how much communication software we have, we can't meet face to face, talk to each other, and live like human beings.
I wonder if computers and communication have made people richer.
Yes, they are convenient and efficient, but do we really need such accurate information in our personal lives?
It may be easier to fiddle with a one-way information terminal than to deal with a real person, but human beings are creatures who have survived by living in groups. In Japan, counseling is not available, so we end up contacting our relatives and friends. However, recently there are many people living together because of the economic recession, and only those who depend on them have the spirit and compassion. There is no one who is capable of accepting them, so the feeling of loneliness is only getting stronger.
独り暮らしだてかなりきつい。
いくら通信ソフトがあろうとも、直接会って顔や話し方、ま、あうんていう人間らしい生活ができない。
コンピューターや通信は人間を豊かにしたのだろうか。
確かに便利で効率的はいいが、私生活でそんなに正確さをかいた情報が必要だろうか。
生身の人間と付き合うより、一方通行の情報端末をいじる方が楽かもしれないが、人間は集団生活でいきてこられた生物だ。日本はカウンセリングがほけんてきようでないので、結局親族や友人に連絡する。しかし最近は不景気で同居が多いし依存する人に限って気合いや懇情論。受け止めてくれる器の人もいないので、孤独感が強まるばかりだ
Even within families there are barriers. Some find all the restrictions necessary, others less so. Should all this stop with the vaccinations, I believe that the damage done to relationships will continue for a long time.
Sogar innerhalb der Familien gibt es Barrieren. Einige finden alle Restriktionen notwendig, andere weniger so. Sollte das alles mit den Impfungen aufhoeren, glaube ich, dass der angerichtete Schaden in den Beziehungen noch lange weiter bestehen wird.
The national health hasn't approached the mental health of citizen living in Switzerland, there's no campaign, tv/radio advert on who to call if you feel depressed. As a UK citizen working and living in Switzerland the approach of the national health is different is really emphasize.
I have been in Zurich less than a year and I feel like I been stuck at home during this entire pandemic. Is exhausting physically and mentally. Is time to find a solution for the economy and people health. This coronavirus won't go away anytime soon and locking us at home and business won't help anybody. I don't know if the vaccine is a solution or let us fight the virus through our immune system but this staying isolated and not seen anyone is increasing suicide attacks.
Physical activity and mediation to balance.
Enjoy the kindness of being in a small social circle.
Explain (gently) to people who are distracted by barrier gestures. It is a community problem that requires a sense of solidarity.
Activité physique et médiation pour équilibrer.
Profiter de bontés d’être en petit cercle sociale.
Expliquer (gentiment) aux personnes qui sont distrait vis avis de gestes barrières. C’est quand même un problème communautaire qui nécessite d’un sense de solidarité.
I wonder if the pandemic affects extroverts more than introverts, or those that need to be with other people all the time. I'm a loner, an ambivert, mainly introvert, but extrovert after a few beers. My life has not changed much despite the lockdown. I can meet family/friends/work colleagues online. It's not affecting me mentally not seeing them in person. Not seeing any of my girlfriends could be a problem long term, but it's also nice to have a break. No nagging about things not done. And my bank balance is much healthier too. All debts have been paid.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.