A Psychiatrist Reflects on a Year of 2020 Therapy
-Jul 15, 2021-
The year 2020 was unlike any other. As the world faced a global crisis, the emotional toll became undeniable. Fear, isolation, grief, and uncertainty shaped daily life, creating a mental health storm that many were unprepared for. As a psychiatrist, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of individuals navigating a reality that shifted overnight. The therapy sessions I conducted throughout that year painted a picture of resilience, pain, and adaptation.
The Rise in Anxiety and Depression
Before 2020, anxiety and depression were already common, but the pandemic intensified them to unprecedented levels. People who had never experienced clinical anxiety found themselves overwhelmed by constant fear—of illness, financial instability, or an uncertain future. For those with pre-existing conditions, symptoms worsened under prolonged stress. The inability to escape distressing thoughts led to more frequent panic attacks, sleepless nights, and emotional exhaustion.
Social isolation compounded these struggles. Many patients expressed a profound sense of loneliness, exacerbated by lockdowns and the loss of routine interactions. The absence of human connection left deep emotional scars, reinforcing the importance of relationships in maintaining mental stability.
Grief in Many Forms
Loss became a central theme in therapy. Some patients mourned loved ones taken by COVID-19, struggling with the added pain of not being able to say goodbye. Others grieved the loss of normalcy—their careers, social lives, or life plans put on indefinite hold. The collective grief was heavy, lingering like a cloud that seemed impossible to escape.
One of the most challenging aspects was the lack of closure. Funerals were held over video calls, final moments were experienced through glass barriers, and comforting embraces were replaced with distant condolences. This unnatural grieving process left many feeling stuck in their pain, unable to fully process their emotions.
Therapy in a Virtual World
The transition to teletherapy was both a blessing and a challenge. While virtual sessions allowed people to access care from the safety of their homes, they also came with new barriers. Some struggled with privacy, unable to openly discuss their thoughts in shared living spaces. Others found it difficult to form the same level of connection through a screen.
However, teletherapy also removed previous obstacles to seeking help. People who may have avoided in-person sessions due to stigma, busy schedules, or logistical issues found comfort in the accessibility of online care. Mental health services reached more individuals than ever before, proving that adaptation was possible even in crisis.
Coping Mechanisms That Emerged
Despite the immense challenges, many individuals developed new ways to cope. Patients who previously relied on external distractions were forced to turn inward, exploring mindfulness, journaling, and creative outlets. Some found solace in exercise, daily walks becoming their therapy. Others deepened their relationships, valuing connection in ways they hadn’t before.
Even amid suffering, resilience surfaced. The human mind has an incredible ability to adapt, and 2020 demonstrated that more than ever. While the struggles were real and painful, so were the moments of strength, healing, and self-discovery.
Lessons Carried Forward
The effects of 2020’s mental health crisis didn’t disappear when the calendar changed. Anxiety, grief, and uncertainty left lasting imprints. However, what also remains is a greater awareness of mental well-being. Conversations about mental health became mainstream, and seeking support became more widely accepted.
Moving forward, one of the biggest lessons is the importance of emotional resilience. Therapy is not just about treating mental illness but also about equipping individuals with the tools to handle life’s unpredictability. The pandemic reinforced the idea that mental health care should be as essential as physical health care.
As I reflect on that transformative year, I see both pain and growth. The challenges were immense, but they also brought forward a deeper understanding of human vulnerability and strength. The work of healing continues, but if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that no one has to face it alone.
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