How Covid Reshaped Mental Health Conversations

by Ava Arjangian

Published May 30, 2025

The sight of empty streets in Dubai, usually vibrant and full of life, was jarring. It felt like a ghost town. Initially, many underestimated the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it became clear that we were experiencing an unprecedented global event. The sudden isolation and lack of support systems changed mental health awareness and how we communicate about it. Here, I want to  explore how this pandemic-era isolation has impacted our ongoing conversations about mental well-being.

The echo chamber of isolation

The pandemic led to widespread isolation. People were separated from family and support systems. Traditional communication felt insufficient, and many became reclusive. We welcomed the initial comfort of being at home, attending to tasks we’d put off. Home workouts, TikTok trends, and working remotely became the norm. Weddings, funerals, and dates moved online, creating a superficial feeling of connection. Digital relationships couldn’t replace physical human interaction. Seeking therapy online was tested and pressured. While some had access to these resources, did it affect our social skills long term? The lack of established platforms for open mental health dialogue contributed to a culture of silence.

The lingering silence

Even after restrictions eased, the initial pandemic silence lingered. People continue to struggle to open up on mental health issues. The impact of isolation still prevails, with people internalising emotions to an overwhelming point. This internalising can compromise communication and thinking, taking a mental toll and affecting personal and professional lives. There’s an ongoing struggle to share these concerns and avoid the long-term effects of continued lack of vocalisation on well-being and community.

Reframing the rhetoric

Since the pandemic’s start, there has been increased mental health awareness globally. However, we need to move beyond awareness and encourage active communication and support now. In 2021, we slowly reintegrated, but the effects of isolation remained. We need to remind people to seek support proactively, addressing issues before they escalate. Facing things alone can make problems seem insurmountable. Speaking with others reveals multiple solutions. Creating safe spaces and new channels for mental health discussion in the post-pandemic world is crucial. This can include making online therapy more accessible or creating resources for employees. We must foster open communication.

Let’s break the silence.

Covid-19 significantly altered the mental health landscape and how we communicate. We’ve learned about the need for physical human interaction. We must break the cycle of silence and encourage meaningful conversations about mental health. By vocalising ambitions and challenges, we can set expectations and minimise assumptions. Community and workplaces play a key role in fostering supportive environments for well-being. We all have a part to play in continuing to rebuild our society and culture. Let’s break the silence.