Why the COVID-19 Pandemic Exacerbates PTSD Symptoms

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges to everyone. But for those who were already struggling with PTSD, the pandemic has been a particularly trying time.

Many have noticed their symptoms becoming worse since the start of the pandemic because stressful times can exacerbate PTSD symptoms. And even someone who felt confident managing their symptoms before the pandemic may suddenly be feeling like they’ve suffered a setback.

Of course, if you are dealing with PTSD, this does not mean that your symptoms will be this pronounced forever. Understanding the risk factors can help you understand why this pandemic has been so taxing.

Here’s why the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused a resurgence of your PTSD symptoms.

Isolation

Many people have been isolated from their loved ones for months. If you live alone, you may be craving company. But you may not be able to see your loved ones safely until a vaccine is widely available. And video chats and phone calls just don’t feel quite the same.

This can be heartbreaking for anyone. But when you struggle with PTSD, simply feeling lonely can be a trigger for symptoms.

Feeling Trapped

On the other hand, many people have been stuck at home with their families or partners. If a relative treated you poorly and contributed to your PTSD, this can be a traumatizing situation. And if you recognized that your relationship was unhealthy and you wanted to leave your partner shortly before the pandemic, you may feel trapped at home now.

Either of these situations can noticeably worsen PTSD symptoms.

Inescapable Stress

Throughout the pandemic, it has been practically impossible to avoid feeling stressed out. Chronic stress can definitely exacerbate PTSD symptoms. And chances are, you’ve faced countless stressful situations during the pandemic.

Maybe you’re an essential worker who is worried about contracting the virus every time you go in for a shift. Perhaps you are immunocompromised, and you’re terrified of getting sick and ending up in the hospital. In either case, you may have spent lots of time watching the news, and it seems like every headline is worse than the last.

If you’re wondering why your PTSD symptoms seem worse than usual, stress is a likely culprit.

Endless Free Time

Before the pandemic, you may have tried to fill your time with fulfilling hobbies and healthy activities. Maybe you made an effort to see your friends most weekends, or you went to the gym several nights per week. You might have even had a hobby that got you out of the house on a regular basis.

But suddenly, you’ve found yourself with endless free time. All of your healthy coping mechanisms are thrown out the window. Having so much time to think and ruminate can leave you feeling like you’re spiraling downwards. With nothing to fill your schedule, it’s easy to end up dwelling on troubling thoughts.

Uncertain Future

When 2020 began, you may have had several events on your calendar that you were looking forward to. From vacations to weddings to road trips with friends—your future looked bright!

But when the world began to shut down, you may have had to cancel all of these plans. And rescheduling events and trips have become a futile endeavor.

In the past, making plans for the future may have helped to keep your symptoms at bay. But thanks to the pandemic, the future feels very uncertain now. If this is causing PTSD symptoms to interfere with your life, you’re not alone.

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Are you struggling with exacerbated PTSD symptoms because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Talking to a therapist can help you find more control. We invite you to reach out to us to discuss how our approach to therapy can provide relief.

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