Gut Health

Pandemic PTSD and the Surprising Secret to Supporting Good Mental Health

The last year and a half has been marked by fear… isolation… anxiety… loneliness... and grief. And for many, it’s been a time of tremendous loss.

Then there’s the pandemic fallout…

It came on suddenly and intensely, and it’s likely that it completely changed your everyday life. Your sanctuary was transformed into a classroom and a workplace. And, at times, it felt like you were just trapped there. 

Even “normal” activities like grocery shopping felt dangerous, and many of your regular outlets – like going to the gym – just weren’t available. 

All of those major stressors caused record levels of mental health issues – and how could they not? So if you feel like you’ve been suffering from some form or depression or anxiety – what many are referring to as “pandemic PTSD,” you need real relief. 

And the surprising first step toward reclaiming your mental health starts in your gut. Because – weird as it sounds – good mental health requires a healthy, well-balanced gut

 

The Pandemic Toll on Mental Health

COVID-19 turned life upside down without warning. It forced changes in your daily routine, used up all of your mental energy, and demanded new coping skills. The forced isolation… the constant fear of infection… the daily death counts all over the media…the loss of normalcy… all of these traumatic events took a huge toll on our collective mental health. 

And if you or a loved one got hit by the virus, that added another layer of fear and worry – not to mention the physical toll of COVID-19. Plus, new research shows that 18% of COVID-19 patients develop first-time mental health problems within three months of getting the virus.

The impact of pandemic PTSD has been far-reaching. Research shows that pandemic-related PTSD has struck:

  • 27% of health care workers
  • 24% of COVID-19 patients
  • 20% of the general public

So it’s not surprising – but definitely alarming – that nearly four times as many Americans experienced mental health problems in 2020 compared to 2019.

covid and mental health

 

The Brain Chemicals That Control Your Moods and Mental Health

Special brain chemicals called neurotransmitters are responsible for all of your emotions. And to keep you in good mental health, your brain needs plenty of these crucial chemicals:

  • Serotonin, the “feel good” neurotransmitter that naturally reduces symptoms of P