In a study published in the journal Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, researchers surveyed a nationally representative sample of 5,661 US adults in March-April and September-October 2020. were surveyed about their mental health. Coronavirus, history of stressful life events, virus-related financial and life stressors.

When we asked participants about their perception of time, more than 65% said they still felt distorted, six months after the pandemic began. More than half felt that time was speeding up or slowing down. About 46% reported not knowing what time or day it was, and 35% reported short-term memory problems.

More women than men reported these distortions, and the same was true for those exposed to trauma early in life. High media exposure was also associated with distorted perception of time.

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The pandemic was an “unprecedented long-term collective trauma,” the researchers wrote. Although more research is needed, they conclude that time distortion is likely related to mental health symptoms in the pandemic.

Looking to the future is associated with better mental health outcomes.

“There are relatively new treatments that can help restore a more balanced sense of time,” said E. Allison Holman, professor of nursing at the University of California, Irvine, and co-author of the study. says. news release. “But if we don’t know who needs that service, we can’t provide that support.”

A better understanding of who is at risk will help health care providers get treatment to those in need, and knowing what to look for in future traumatic moments. I can.