The Real Pandemic is Mental Health

Leonardo Romo
2 min readDec 9, 2020

And it is just starting

The COVID-19 pandemic has dominated headlines for over two years now. Yet the true pandemic, a silent crisis brewing for decades, is that of poor mental health.

According to the World Health Organization, depression is already the leading cause of disability worldwide. By 2030, it is expected to be the most prevalent disease globally.

This mental health crisis has been building for a long time. Studies show depression rates have steadily risen since the 1990s. But it has gone unaddressed for too long, overshadowed by the focus on material success and the allure of “hustle culture.”

Modern society glorifies wealth, status, and overwork at the expense of health and well-being. Social media fuels anxieties and negative comparisons.

Impossible standards of perfection leave many feeling inadequate.

Anhedonia, the inability to enjoy activities once pleasurable, is a hallmark of depression. Imagine working tirelessly towards your dreams, only to find you cannot enjoy their fulfillment. Without joy, even achieved ambitions ring hollow.

The mental health pandemic manifests in rising addiction and suicide rates. Yet, the stigma persists around mental illness, preventing open conversations and proper care. Too many people struggle silently, unaware help exists.

Now, the added stresses and isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic have further strained mental health across populations. We need to acknowledge that the mind can become ill just like the body.

Daily mindfulness practices can help safeguard mental health. Simple steps like meditating, reflecting on emotions, exercising, and carving out quality time for yourself and loved ones go a long way.

We must make space for health and joy, not just hustle for material success.

Seeking balance and fulfillment should not be seen as weakness. Healing the mental health pandemic will require honesty, compassion, and a willingness to support each other through the darkest times.

Acknowledgments.

This post was rewritten with the help of AI. Many thanks to the creators of the tool.

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Leonardo Romo

Medical storyteller. Leveraging science & research background to transform complex health concepts into compelling narratives.