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COVID-19 pandemic’s mental health toll

By Jennifer O'Hara • January 27, 2021
a middle-aged woman wearing glasses and looking out a window, perhaps sad, disappointed or depressed

COVID-19 pandemic's mental health toll
Jan. 27, 2021

Fear and worry are normal responses when people perceive and experience threats. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought daily stressors over the past year, leaving many people with a sustained feeling of anxiety. 

While social distancing has been necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the separation from others can exacerbate anxiety by leaving people feeling isolated and lonely. Learning to recognize and cope with stress in healthy ways can improve resilience.

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, we discuss healthy strategies for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Halena Gazelka is joined by Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, and his daughter, Caroline Poland, a licensed mental health counselor.

Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland.

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