The beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March of 2020 brought never-before-seen stress and anxiety, leading to a decrease in overall mental health for many people across the world. Even two and a half years later, many people are still suffering from decreased mental health and its effects.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “surveys show a major increase in the number of U.S. adults who report symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia during the pandemic, compared with surveys before the pandemic.” People have taken to different coping strategies to deal with these issues which include, but are not limited to, strict sleep schedules, exercise, and increased healthy eating.
However, many still found themselves struggling with stress and anxiety. They turned towards more unconventional methods to help with their mental health. One of these methods includes the use of crystals. During the pandemic, crystal use has seen an increase as a means to lower stress, anxiety, and promote overall mental wellbeing.
Metaphysical healing is the act of taking negative mental patterns and changing them into positive ones to help the wellbeing of the mind and body. Based on this definition, it is easy to see why crystals and the healing properties they are said to harbor attracted so many people during this time of global change and stress.
Crystal use is not a new “trend.” It has only gained popularity. According to The Washington Post, crystals and their properties have been used by many civilizations over the course of human history, from ancient Egypt to Rome.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, many people turned to social media, for better or for worse, to keep themselves updated on the state of the world, new trends, and to stay connected with others. In January of 2022, the New York Times reported that multiple jewelry designers saw an increase in their sales of jewelry with crystals due to the pandemic.
But what exactly do people claim that these crystals do? Well, that depends on the crystal. Some stones, such as apatite are said to “focus on goals…decreasing social anxiety and self-consciousness,” while howlite is said to help reduce stress, calm one’s anxiety, and ease “extreme negative emotions,” according to Karen Frazier’s book, Crystals for Beginners.
Some popular stones that were used during the pandemic included lepidolite for stress and helping “guide you into healthier thought patterns.” Another is amethyst, which is said to help “soothe anxiety and negative feelings” and “reduce the urge to turn to substances for relief.”
It should be noted that crystals should not replace doctor visits and professional medical advice. While believing in healing properties of crystals and other natural elements and using them in a responsible way is acceptable, they should not take the place of professional opinions regarding health. Crystals have not been scientifically proven to cure any person of any ailment and therefore, should not be used in such a manner.
That being said, there is no evidence to say that crystals do not aid in reducing stress and other issues. Whether it be through the mind’s desire to believe in their healing properties, or through currently unstudied abilities of these beautiful natural wonders, there is no denying the increase in purchases of them and the belief people have in them. Just as with religion, we should not judge others for their belief in crystals even if you do not believe it yourself.
There are many places online and on Long Island to purchase crystals. Some online realtors include Frankie’s Crystal Co., a woman-run shop in Oregon, and Kenna’s Crystals, which operates out of Canada. Some local stores include the Amityville Apothecary in Amityville; Breathe Gifts, Inc. in Bay Shore; and Moon Child Remedies in Massapequa. All of these stores include crystals in different price ranges and have friendly staff to help pick the right ones for you.
Whatever the case may be for crystal usage and the properties they are said to hold, there is no denying the uptick in sales for crystals in recent years. While we do not yet know for certain if these stones themselves really can ease our worries, it is clear that even believing they will has been helpful for many people.
Even if they don’t really do anything, they are still beautiful, natural wonders straight from the earth that can be used to decorate any space.
