The pandemic upended many of our lives, and the stress only added to our anxiety from either worrying about succumbing to the virus or going crazy after months of self-isolation.
"How has your personality changed compared to pre Covid?"
The pandemic had a negative effect on these Redditors.
Self-Medicating
"For a time it became more drunk."
"I was stupid high for most of 2020."
Being On Edge
"I get angry more often, and have forgotten what patience is. I used to be a very patient person. But now everything annoys me!"
Inherent Introvert
"I realized that I'm more agoraphobic than I was previously aware, and that I prefer to be much more of an introvert than I had felt obligated to be prior to the pandemic."
"I don't hate socializing, but I am reluctant to go into public spaces around others if I don't have to. I think part of that is also due to my assumption that most people around me in public likely aren't vaccinated."
Meanwhile, these Redditors experienced a more positive outcome.
Social Butterfly
"I've become so desperate for human interaction, I've turned into an extrovert."
A Study Of Contrasts
"My mental health is actually better after digging deep into potential causes of my psychological problems. I've also recently changed careers and cities (moved to a much smaller area) and am happier. The downside is that my view of human nature has taken a hit. In the US, the anti-vax thing is really infuriating. Plus with the political chaos in 2020, it's just made me more cynical about humanity in general."
– Espron
Gaining Empathy
"Probably more sympathetic. Last spring I was so angry at how stupid people were. Now I get it. I don't agree with them, but I understand. Makes my job at the hospital easier."
Dispensing With B.S.
"A lot more chill and carefree. I used to be so wound up and concerned about how others viewed me, very wrapped up in FOMO, felt I needed to go out to clubs or parties and post about them so I could appear to others in a certain way. There was no way I could sit at home while my 'friends' went to a party/club."
"Now I don't care what others think, I'm not going out of my way to impress anyone. I feel a lot more sure of myself. Cut a lot of people out, cut social media down to an absolute minimum. Feel really good about myself."
Sobriety
"I quit alcohol. I always thought things weren't fun unless I had a drink. My kid's birthdays, football games, music, I was always drinking. I had no idea how much time I was missing with the people who loved me. I've been sober for six months and I have never been any happier in my life. So I guess the answer is, I've learned how to enjoy the things in life without having to have an altered state of mind."
Social media had a major impact on these Redditors.
Creeping Insecurities
"I was more confident before covid-19, now I question almost every action I do. I think it's because of all the social media I've consumed through this time."
– -WO_oT-
A Welcome Distraction
"Yes, less stress and anxiety. I express myself more, my account was started because of covid."
Many people claimed to have gained COVID weight. To avoid this, I adopted a new regimen out of concern for my health.
Pre-pandemic, I was moderately exercising. But when gyms closed for much of 2020, I forced myself to stay in shape by watching fitness videos on YouTube.
I've done more cardio than ever thanks to the fitness channels I've been following, and I feel much better with my spike in energy levels.
Yes, the pandemic sucked, but I opted for taking the lemons life handed us to making lemonade. I refuse to compromise my health because of a global health crisis.
I ain't going down.
@hebagowayed/Bluesky
@waitmanwbeorn/X
@eighthoften/Bluesky 
@antigonesdream/Bluesky 
A1