The Signs of Long Term Pandemic Trauma are Very Similar to PTSD
After several months into our fight against CovID-19, long term pandemic trauma has begun to set in for many. The pandemic has taken more from Americans than anyone ever could have anticipated. Some people lost their jobs, some lost their homes, and others lost loved ones. The pandemic has torn families apart and no one is sure where America will come to rest. Living in uncertain times like these has elevated everyone’s level of stress.
According to an article published on Kaiser Family Foundation, about 4 in 10 adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or a depressive disorder. This is up from one in ten adults who reported these symptoms from January to June 2019.
Signs of Long-term Pandemic Trauma
There are several signs of this trauma that people can experience, such as:
- Invasive thoughts, like nightmares
- Upsetting memories and flashbacks
- Being really stressed out or irritable
- Trouble sleeping
- Hyper-vigilance
- Trouble concentrating
- Avoiding thinking about an incident as a way of coping
- Increased drug or alcohol use
Everyone responds differently to this kind of stress. More and more Americans have been turning to violence. In the U.S., police departments have reported increases in domestic violence around the country. According to the American Journal of Medicine, since the pandemic began domestic violence is up 18% in San Antonio, 22% in Portland, and 10% in New York City.
According to an article in the NY Times, murder has also risen at the fastest rate since the FBI began tracking the rates in the 1960s.
How to Help with Long Term Pandemic Trauma

Recognizing the symptoms of long term pandemic trauma is the first step in healing. Here are a few more steps to take to help someone suffering from long term pandemic trauma.
1. Provide Social Support
It’s important to be patient and don’t pressure anyone. Do normal things with them and let your loved one take the lead. Educate yourself on long term pandemic trauma and, above all, manage your own stress.
2. Be a Good Listener
Someone may need to talk about their trauma or stress many, many times. They may also say things that are difficult to hear. Remember, it’s their feelings and fears and you just need to let them talk.
3. Rebuild Trust and Safety
Express your commitment to the relationship by creating routines and minimizing stress. Speaking of the future, making plans, and keeping your promises are all steps you will need to make to rebuild trust and create a safe environment.
4. Anticipate and Manage Triggers
Discovering triggers will take time, but once they’ve been uncovered it will be easier to help someone heal. You may have to experience the result of a trigger before you can properly identify something, or someone, as a trigger. However, it is very important to have this conversation and what needs to be done to avoid a person’s triggers.
Jesse Kalter is Available if You’re Facing Charges as a Result of Long Term Pandemic Trauma and Stress
Long term pandemic trauma and stress can spiral into a series of poor choices and bad decisions. If you are facing domestic violence or other charges because of the pandemic, you may need the assistance of an experienced defense attorney. Jesse Kalter is knowledgeable in all areas of criminal law. He has won his clients countless not-guilty verdicts for many types of charges, including DUIs, domestic violence, and drug charges. He is available to serve the people of Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Fallon, Fernley, Dayton, Yerington, Douglas County, and all other Northern NV rural counties.
Long-term Pandemic Stress Doesn’t Have to End in Jail Time
Contact Jesse Kalter Law Today for a Confidential Case Evaluation and Consultation
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