Voice Radio Ep. 34 – Covid waves leave ripples of depression

By Laisa Conde, Tom Eley, Hannah Mondiwa and Nils Rummler

The world has stopped in 2020 after being infected by a highly contagious virus named Covid-19. During this period, societies had to isolate themselves in order to prevent its contagion.

However, the isolation started to affect people’s mood and emotions, leading to frustrations, loneliness and depression.

Jerry Fan, a first-year computer science Langara student, said that he developed symptoms of depression during the pandemic. Although his diagnosis wasn’t linked to Covid-19 itself, Fan believes the pandemic played a big part in his mood. 

Rhonda Marriot, a registered clinical counsellor from Penticton, B.C., said there has been an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with depression as a result of lockdowns. 

Although society has dealt with pandemics throughout history, Covid-19 presented unique challenges. These range from the nature of the virus itself, to the effect a pandemic has on the modern world.

Historian Anne Toews shares the differences between pandemics that society has faced and the coronavirus one, and the improvements we have made in the scientific field.

There are a wide variety of factors which may cause someone to develop depression. However, as we understand depression more, we better understand how to manage it.

Ellahae Keshmiri, a registered clinical counsellor, shares how small changes in your daily routine can help you prevent and cope with symptoms of depression.

Dr. Wayne Dykstra, a psychologist and registered clinical counsellor, shares how people can differentiate normal amount of sadness from depression, and how people’s background history can influence in depression diagnoses.

If you have any symptoms of depression or struggling with your daily activities, remember that you are not alone. It is important to seek professional help. On campus, our counselling services are located at the B Building, room B111.

See below for an interactive look at the numbers of people being diagnosed with depression in Canada from 2009 to 2019.