When thinking of COVID-19 we always jump to the thought of someone’s health, mostly on the physical spectrum. We often times have not understood its impact mentally, which has in fact worked on everyone in the world in certain ways. Whether it’s wondering when life will go back to normal, constant thoughts of anxiety due to thoughts of the pandemic, the loss of routine or job, COVID-19 has affected mental states in multiple ways.
Stress From COVID-19
The stress faced during this pandemic is huge. COVID-19 has affected mental states so much that the CDC has a dedicated page on how to manage with these lingering effects. The page states, that an outbreak can sometimes cause the following:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
- Worsening of chronic health problems.
- Worsening of mental health conditions.
- Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.
On Thursday, Victor Armstrong, the director of the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, Substance Abuse Services said there has been a 15 percent increase in the number of people going to the emergency room due to opioid overdoses and binge drinking. Also citing the rate of anxiety and depression tripling within the state.
Help To Manage Mental State
One of the ways the DHHS suggests to help manage your mental state is by using the S.C.O.O.P. method.
- S — Stay connected to family and friends
- C — Compassion for self and others
- O — Observe the use of substances
- O — It’s OK to ask for help
- P — Physical activity to improve mood
Mental Health Resources
There are also ways provided by different health carriers who might offer special health benefits. Your current health plan provider could host tools and resources that can be used to help screen your current state and find you more help. If you’re worried about the potential risk in going out to see a therapist, you can now use telemedicine which provides a wide variety of services such as psychiatric evaluations, therapy, patient education, and medication management.
Call your agent today and see how your current health plan can help you manage your mental state during COVID-19!
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