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As we head towards fall & winter, it's important to acknowledge that the pandemic & this summer of our discontent has already left so many more of us affected by anxiety, depression & loneliness. 1/N
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6932a1-H.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/pdfs/mm6932a1-H.pdf
As the weather grows colder, more of the world moves indoors, as safer options for social connection become fewer, as pandemic fatigue sets in, we have to be vigilant that the trend will worsen & we need innovative ways to get through this awful time, while staying safe.
First, if you are feeling symptoms of anxiety or depression, experiencing feelings that are keeping you from performing the activities of your daily life, seek out help. Tons of federal/state resources are available:
https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/mental-health-and-coping/index.html
In MA: https://www.mass.gov/resource/maintaining-emotional-health-well-being-during-the-covid-19-outbreak
https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/mental-health-and-coping/index.html
In MA: https://www.mass.gov/resource/maintaining-emotional-health-well-being-during-the-covid-19-outbreak
If you are having trouble finding a therapist:
1) Check w your health insurance abt practitioners in your area that are accepting new patients
2) Many insurance companies are also offering online therapy options which are covered.
1) Check w your health insurance abt practitioners in your area that are accepting new patients
2) Many insurance companies are also offering online therapy options which are covered.
Data shows that burnout among front-line workers and increased anxiety or mental illness among those with poor physical health are also concerns. We need to have more targeted outreach to these groups. https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/
Loneliness is affecting most of us. We need city/state organized outdoor spaces & activities that are widely available/free so people can leave their homes & have a destination: @CityOfBoston
1) small guided socially distanced hikes
2) free ice rinks
3) more drive in theaters
1) small guided socially distanced hikes
2) free ice rinks
3) more drive in theaters
AND I would love to hear other thoughts from those who are in the mental health field of how we can build resilience in our communities heading into the fall/winter months.
