These have been difficult times. The COVID-19 pandemic continues unabated, the economy is weak, millions have lost jobs, hundreds of thousands have lost loved ones due to Coronavirus, and we’re only now moving ahead after a long and tumultuous election. We’re looking forward to the holidays, but they really won’t be the same. How are you feeling? How about your friends and family? Across the nation, people are feeling discouraged, frustrated, anxious, stressed, and down. For lack of a better term, we’re worn out. A study of over 5000 adults completed last summer by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found a 300% increase in symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse over the past year. Check that line–“300%…one year.” That’s a frightening statistic. The confluence of ongoing social and economic stressors, then, is clearly taking a toll. As noted in a recent article in JAMA by Naomi Simon and colleagues at NYU, the effects of COVID-19 on mental health are likely to be overwhelming. As they state, “A second wave of devastation is imminent, attributable to mental health consequences of COVID-19.” These effects are likely to be most severe for minority communities and the disadvantaged—individuals with the fewest resources and supports.
Since its outset, COVID-19 has taken nearly 250,000 lives here in the United States. It’s a staggering number, and likely underestimates the actual number of deaths due to the virus. Beyond this, each death leaves behind a grieving family, as well as despondent friends and co-workers. The impact of the virus, then, reverberates out, affecting millions. The effects of these tragic losses are magnified by the effect the pandemic has had on family and community supports. In so many ways, Coronavirus has torn our social fabric. Social distancing disrupts our ability to be of support to family and friends at times when they are most in need. Normal grief can be magnified and the sense of loss drawn out. Moreover, the enjoyable activities with friends and family we look forward to at this time each year are being postponed, cancelled, or dialed back. Not surprisingly, many individuals now report experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. For many thousands, normal grief and loss is being transformed into more severe and lasting depression and anxiety.
Let’s Make Screening About Mood a Regular Part of Preventing COVID-19
What can be done? How can we manage the evolving wave of psychological and emotional problems COVID-19 has triggered? To be sure, the government and insurance companies can play a role. Providing support for increased screening and rapid mental health services would be of help. We’re all regularly asked if we’ve experienced symptoms of COVID or have been exposed to someone with the ilness. Why not ask a few questions about depression, anxiety, and coping as well? This would take, at most, a minute and would be invaluable in identifying individuals who are struggling. Providing mental health resources such that “front line” healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, nurses, pediatricians, and emergency department staff, can complete basic mental health screenings and treatment, should be a priority. An emphasis should be placed on screening for depression, anxiety, suicide, and alcohol or substance abuse, followed by a rapid referral for more intensive care. An extra level of attention should be given to family members, particularly children, of someone who has been hospitalized or died of COVID-19. These individuals are at the highest level of risk, and are most in need of our support and care. By making mental health and wellness services a regular part of Coronavirus treatment, many of the downstream emotional effects of the pandemic can be reduced.
You might reasonably ask, though, “How can we afford to do this now? Where are the resources?” To be sure, the economy is weak and government budgets (Local, State, and Federal) are stretched thin. That said, a wide range of studies in health economics indicate that, beyond reducing morbidity and the very real emotional effects of emotional distress on individuals’ lives, providing effective mental health care early on reduces much larger expenses later. As they say, “An ounce of prevention…” The key is to identify individuals who are most at risk, and to make the handoff for care quick and efficient.
Lend a Hand
Perhaps most important, though, are the steps each of us can make at home and in our communities to help those emotionally impacted by the pandemic. Reach out to family members, friends and coworkers. Listen, offer empathic support and, if there’s a concern, encourage them to seek help. This is particularly important for families who have lost a loved one to the virus. Helping children and teens who have lost a parent or relative to Coronavirus is a high priority. The goal is to provide them with a renewed sense of security—that they are cared for, that others are responsive to their needs, and that we’re consistently available to them. Three factors—Affectionate support, responsiveness, and reliability of care—predict a positive outcome. As much as possible, instill hope. Here’s a quick, actionable step: Do you know of someone who has been feeling depressed, anxious, or despondent? Give them a call.
For all who are struggling emotionally in the maelstrom of COVID-19, it is worth emphasizing that resources are available. Mental health professionals now are able to provide high quality, evidence-based care via tele-health. Many resources are can be found on the internet. Interestingly, as a consequence of the pandemic, mental health care is now more convenient than ever before.
COVID-19 has proven to be a formidable foe, and its emotional effects are now being felt. Let’s come together, let’s care for one another, let’s get through this.