COVID-19 is a global pandemic that’s still gaining steam. As the number of cases continues to rise, many of the initial restrictions put in place remain. Hopefully, it’ll go away soon but society will suffer from the long-lasting effects of COVID-19.

Isolation

People with an identified mental illness and even those without are feeling hopeless. Loneliness, feeling hopeless, mental sickness are effects of COVID-19. Initially, the government required a 2-week lockdown to flatten the curve.

Today, nine months and counting later, life, as they knew it less than a year ago, shows little promise of a return. The inability to engage in their favorite activities and see family, friends, and co-workers is causing many folks to retreat from reality.

Unfortunately, this means turning to drugs or alcohol. If you or a loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol resulting from COVID-19, help is available.

Loss of Income

Despite following recommendations from the CDC, many of the state’s best attempts to prevent the spread of the virus are offering little promise. The number of cases across the states continues to take an upward climb, including Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Unfortunately, the result is thousands of once-thriving small business owners were forced to close their doors. The loss of income is affecting millions of American households who now struggle to pay for their homes and daily essentials.

Personal Health

Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States died of COVID-19. However, the number of people not able to receive timely preventative treatments remains unmeasurable. People, especially the elderly, are among the most vulnerable to having a serious reaction from the virus or death.

To protect this portion of the population, doctor’s offices, hospitals, rehab centers, eye doctors, and dentists were closed or open with a very limited intake of patients. This resulted in people such as cancer treatment patients and those with high blood pressure not receiving or on a waiting list for medical care.

Inactivity Equals Weight Gain

Without activity and spending more time indoors, the American population is now accumulating excessive weight. Children in states where schools remain closed or in hybrid mode are not getting physical exercise. Adults in states where parks and gyms remain closed also cannot get out and burn calories. Weight gain, even just 10 pounds, can have serious consequences on overall health.

Lack of Education

Many young children, pre-teens, and teenagers are losing ground regarding their education. World faces great effects of COVID-19. With schools in many states remaining closed or only partially open, kids are not getting access to quality education. Most children are not able to sit in front of computer screens for several hours each day. They lose focus and end up missing out on learning. In the classroom, teachers can observe and are quick to determine which kids need stimulation or monitoring.

The burden on Parents Already Struggling

With children at home in many states, parents who are already stressing over income now face other challenges. They have to support teachers in their efforts to educate and find ways to keep their children busy. Many parents, still employed, also work from home, creating additional stress between teaching their kids their school lessons and completing their own work. It’s a delicate balancing act that may stretch beyond summer 2021.

Hope in the Future

Most people would like to put 2020 behind them and move forward. Thankfully, the future is looking hopeful. With a vaccine on the way ready for distribution in the coming weeks and months ahead, there is light at the end of the long dark tunnel.

Once the population receives the vaccination, life, as you knew it only a year ago, should begin returning to normal. COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has caused life to change in an unprecedented way. The good news is that America and the world are turning the corner for the better. Soon, you’ll enjoy the beach, fishing trips, spending face-to-face time with loved ones, and large social gatherings again.