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The original rationale for severe social distancing was to "flatten the curve." We accomplished that. But the lockdowns continue, and nobody speaks of "flattening the curve" anymore. What is the current rationale for these severe measures?
#COVID__19
#COVID__19
The political rhetoric suggests we are "saving lives" by these measures. But this does not save lives and cannot save lives; it only delays the time to infection. The (secret/unspoken) hope of politicians is that we can do this until we have an effective vaccine.
That is an enormous gamble based on an axiological faith in science to solve our problems, which actually cannot be justified scientifically. Recall that it was science that created this virus in a lab in the first place--a claim no longer in the realm of conspiracy theory.
Last week the CDC published a devastating report on the mental health effects of lockdowns, based on a population based survey in June of 5,412 Americans. The findings are entirely consistent with what I& #39;ve seen among the patients in our psychiatric clinics--viz., massive harms.
Some findings: 41% reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (31%), symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder (TSRD) related to the pandemic (26.3%)...
...and having started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19 (13.3%). 11% have seriously contemplated suicide in the past 30 days, including 25% of those aged 18–24 years.
Rates of suicidal thinking over the past month were higher among minorities (Hispanic [19%], black [15.1%]), unpaid care-givers for adults (31%), and essential workers (22%).
Compared to the same quarter last year, prevalence of anxiety disorders have tripled (26% versus 8%), and prevalence of depressive disorders have quadrupled (24.3% versus 6.5%).
It is past time for us to reckon with these devastating realities.
It is past time for us to reckon with these devastating realities.
I supported "flatten the curve" early on to allow hospital to prepare. We prepared. My hospital was nowhere near ventilator capacity when the Governor of CA reinstated severe lockdowns. The rationale now involves systematic dishonesty and mendacity.
It is time for a real public conversation about these policies. Deferring to a "science," which cannot answer political questions, and cannot take account of all the various harms, will not do. There are massive human costs to our current course. It& #39;s past time to take stock.
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6932a1.htm?s_cid=mm6932a1_w">https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volu...
We do not yet have numbers on completed suicides or other "deaths of despair" during the pandemic. But given that these were on the rise before #Covid, combined with the devastating numbers on suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety, suggests that the news will not be good.
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