People struggle to adapt to change. COVID-19 has caused drastic changes with no period of preparation, so its impact was sharp and harsh. People made peace with the idea that these changes were temporary and most aligned with the notion that their changes were an active response to defeat the threat of the virus.
As the perspective has shifted to a "new normal," there has been a significant uptick in depression as people look at the world around them and realize that it may be years before they can return to the lives they once knew and loved. Additionally, COVID-19 restrictions can trigger depressive symptoms of disengagement, isolation, restricted activity, reduction of enjoyment of formerly pleasant activities and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.