Wednesday marks six years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic — a moment that reshaped daily life around the world.While many aspects of life have returned to normal, researchers and mental health professionals say the pandemic’s effects are still being felt, particularly among young people.“It’s kind of crazy to step back and be like, wow, that was actually six years ago,” one young adult told WJCL 22 News. “The time has actually flown.”A moment that changed daily lifeIn March 2020, the pandemic brought widespread closures and dramatic shifts in everyday routines. Schools moved online, major events were canceled and millions of people were asked to stay home.Businesses across the country temporarily shut down, including local establishments in Savannah like The Five Spot.For many, the sudden isolation and loss of normal routines created a major adjustment.“Isolating yourself in a room or not having classes … every day,” another resident said. “Social interaction was a huge shift, especially with sports. Sports got impacted by COVID a lot.”Others remember how quiet communities became during lockdowns.“We didn’t see anybody on the street,” one Savannah visitor from New York said.Research shows long-term mental health effectsYears later, research suggests those disruptions may still be affecting people today.A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that teenagers who lived through pandemic lockdowns reported higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with previous years.Researchers also found changes in the brain scans of some teens in areas associated with memory, stress and decision-making. Some participants showed signs of what researchers described as accelerated brain aging.Isolation a key factorMental health professionals say the social isolation many people experienced during the pandemic played a major role.“It’s just made society a little bit more isolated,” said Gabriella Lehmkuhle with Waters Edge Counseling. “And that has devastating effects on our mental well-being.”The pandemic also accelerated a shift toward digital communication. Remote work, virtual meetings and online socializing became commonplace.Studies show that average daily technology use increased from about six hours a day before the pandemic to more than eight hours during it.“In general, we’re just a lot more distant,” Lehmkuhle said. “We’re a lot less likely to engage with strangers, to reach out, to make the first move when connecting. I think a lot of people rely on devices rather than in-person, face-to-face interactions.”Some Savannah residents say they have noticed that change as well.“We’re so reliant on our phones and Zoom even with meetings,” one resident said. “That’s kind of been a sad thing to see.”Rebuilding connectionsMental health experts say rebuilding social habits can start with small steps.Lehmkuhle encourages people to intentionally seek out in-person experiences again.“Just be curious about what’s out there,” she said. “Look at the billboards, see what’s happening in the city and just show up. You don’t have to stay, but just go. Just make that your goal.”Moving forwardHealth experts say strong social connections and continued access to mental health care will be critical as communities continue to process the long-term impacts of the pandemic.Mental health resources in Savannah:Waters Edge Counseling 912-319-5552LifeStance Health 912-600-8800Heads-Up Guidance Services 912-417-4320Recovery Place 912-355-5938 In addition to local resources, nationwide help is available 24 hours a day. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to connect with trained counselors.If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988, or you can chat online here.
SAVANNAH, Ga. —
Wednesday marks six years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic — a moment that reshaped daily life around the world.
While many aspects of life have returned to normal, researchers and mental health professionals say the pandemic’s effects are still being felt, particularly among young people.
“It’s kind of crazy to step back and be like, wow, that was actually six years ago,” one young adult told WJCL 22 News. “The time has actually flown.”
A moment that changed daily life
In March 2020, the pandemic brought widespread closures and dramatic shifts in everyday routines. Schools moved online, major events were canceled and millions of people were asked to stay home.
Businesses across the country temporarily shut down, including local establishments in Savannah like The Five Spot.
For many, the sudden isolation and loss of normal routines created a major adjustment.
“Isolating yourself in a room or not having classes … every day,” another resident said. “Social interaction was a huge shift, especially with sports. Sports got impacted by COVID a lot.”
Others remember how quiet communities became during lockdowns.
“We didn’t see anybody on the street,” one Savannah visitor from New York said.
Research shows long-term mental health effects
Years later, research suggests those disruptions may still be affecting people today.
A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found that teenagers who lived through pandemic lockdowns reported higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with previous years.
Researchers also found changes in the brain scans of some teens in areas associated with memory, stress and decision-making. Some participants showed signs of what researchers described as accelerated brain aging.
Isolation a key factor
Mental health professionals say the social isolation many people experienced during the pandemic played a major role.
“It’s just made society a little bit more isolated,” said Gabriella Lehmkuhle with Waters Edge Counseling. “And that has devastating effects on our mental well-being.”
The pandemic also accelerated a shift toward digital communication. Remote work, virtual meetings and online socializing became commonplace.
Studies show that average daily technology use increased from about six hours a day before the pandemic to more than eight hours during it.
“In general, we’re just a lot more distant,” Lehmkuhle said. “We’re a lot less likely to engage with strangers, to reach out, to make the first move when connecting. I think a lot of people rely on devices rather than in-person, face-to-face interactions.”
Some Savannah residents say they have noticed that change as well.
“We’re so reliant on our phones and Zoom even with meetings,” one resident said. “That’s kind of been a sad thing to see.”
Rebuilding connections
Mental health experts say rebuilding social habits can start with small steps.
Lehmkuhle encourages people to intentionally seek out in-person experiences again.
“Just be curious about what’s out there,” she said. “Look at the billboards, see what’s happening in the city and just show up. You don’t have to stay, but just go. Just make that your goal.”
Moving forward
Health experts say strong social connections and continued access to mental health care will be critical as communities continue to process the long-term impacts of the pandemic.
Mental health resources in Savannah:
In addition to local resources, nationwide help is available 24 hours a day. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, to connect with trained counselors.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can talk with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or sending a text message to 988, or you can chat online here.