Countering the negative mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with neurofeedback
The journey through this life is individual. We have unique trials, struggles, joys, accomplishments, and pains. And yet we also move through life together with the ability, opportunity, and responsibility to help one another along the way.
There is no doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the plight of those battling stress, worry, behavioral difficulties, overwhelming sadness, and other mental and emotional pressures like never before. Topics that were once lost in the darkness of stereotypes and shame are now becoming part of our everyday conversations as an increasing number of individuals are experiencing mental and behavioral health symptoms firsthand.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted mental and behavioral health?
When it comes to helping ourselves and the people around us through this crisis, it’s all hands on deck. That means first understanding and empathizing with the depth of the impact the pandemic has had on everyone and then recognizing and implementing options that don’t just mask negative emotional and behavioral symptoms but get to the heart of them. Consider this:
- More than a fourth (27 percent) of parents reported experiencing new or worsening anxiety, stress or depression in themselves during the first three months of the pandemic (American Academy of Pediatrics).
- Depression and anxiety symptoms in youth worldwide doubled since the start of the pandemic. Likewise, youth experiencing behavioral health symptoms like irritability and impulsivity, often associated with conditions such as ADHD, increased moderately (The U.S. Surgeon General).
- It’s predicted that the rise in negative impacts on mental and behavioral health will continue well beyond the pandemic (https://www.healthevolution.com/).
- Forty percent of adults now report symptoms of anxiety or depression (compared to just 10 percent pre-pandemic). Thirty-six percent report difficulty sleeping. (Kaiser Family Foundation)
How can Neurofeedback help address mental and behavioral health symptoms from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Just as our journey through life is individual, so is SYMMETRY Neuro-Pathway training. The negative symptoms cited above are tied to dysregulated brainwave functions that are rising as a result of pandemic stress, pressures and worries. The exact effect of this dysregulation is going to be unique to each individual. So, how can neurofeedback help regulate and train the brain back to a state of health?
- Brain Mapping: We start with a Quantitative EEG (qEEG) to measure and record brainwave patterns to determine what neural pathways are working properly and what ones could use some help. This process is easy and non-invasive. The subject wears a specialized cap for monitoring, which is then hooked up to the computer software that will record the brainwave activity with eyes open and then closed. The activity is compiled into a report that practitioners can use to guide the therapeutic process for the individual.
- Brain Training: A program customized to the individual is prepared. Ideally, neurofeedback can be implemented in conjunction with traditional therapy. The SYMMETRYNeuro-Pathway Training software will record the brain’s responses to visual and audio stimuli, and use what it learns to help the brain develop and strengthen new patterns and learn how to regulate.
- Success and Growth: Neurofeedback takes some time and consistency. As the individual participates in this non-invasive treatment the brain, which wants to be in a healthy state, will develop healthier brainwave patterns. The individual and those around them will begin to notice a decrease in negative symptoms and improvement in mood with positive long-term changes.
At SYMMETRY Neuro-Pathway Training, we are here to help individuals, our country, and our world heal from the impacts of the pandemic. As you begin your journey, we are here to help you every step of the way. Learn more here.
