We know that COVID-19 is directly impacting mental health.
August 14, 2020 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report entitled “Mental Health, Substance Use, and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic—United States, June 24-30, 2020” describes a clear increase in symptoms of anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma, and suicidal thinking when compared to the same time frame just a year earlier, in 2019.
What this means is we need to fund and support mental health services in our communities to ensure that those who are struggling have the resources available to them to get and stay well. Additionally, we may need to check on one another to make sure we really are “doing okay,” especially those of use who may be isolated.
This study was by no means perfect, but it does show that those folks who participated were reporting increased adverse mental or behavioral health conditions. Nearly 31% of respondents reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, around 26% reported trauma/stress responses, around 13% reported starting/increasing substance use to cope, and there was a nearly 11% increase in seriously considering suicide in the past 30 days. Additionally, mental health conditions seem to have increased in groups such as people of color, unpaid caregivers, and young adults, essential workers, and those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions. This study can be seen at https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm?s_cid=mm6932a1_w
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. There are local mental health agencies that will see you regardless of your ability to pay. Most offer telehealth options as well. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse services offers a list of certified providers that can help you find a local treatment provider, as well as links to COVID-19 resources, the suicide help-line, a talk line for support, all available from their home page at https://www.ok.gov/odmhsas/
If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273- TALK (8255). Know that help is available.
If you are struggling with finances and healthcare, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services may be able to assist. Their home page is http://www.okdhs.org/Pages/default.aspx
Also, I discovered a neat free app for checking in on my own mental health during the COVID pandemic. It offers self-administered quizzes that can help you see how you are doing, as well as links you to support and resources. It is called the COVID Coach and is a product of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and the National Center for PTSD. Search “COVID Coach” in your app store to download this helpful app.
The bottom line is this: We need mental health and substance abuse care to help those of us that may be struggling, even outside of a pandemic, but especially NOW as we are learning more about the impact COVID has on all of us. We also must be aware that populations that were already struggling will most likely see even more strife and struggle as they cope with COVID-19.
Let’s take care of one another.