Virus forebodes a mental health crisis
Mounting economic pressures and health concerns coupled with social isolation during the COVID-19 public health emergency have led to a rise in individuals seeking mental health care and self-medicating with drugs and alcohol. This has sparked a cry for more funding for behavioral health care from experts and advocacy groups.
As of Friday, the U.S. had about 470,000 reported cases of coronavirus, leaving many people anxious about their physical, mental and economic health. A record 16.8 million Americans have applied for unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many more are stressed by the possibility of job loss or underemployment.
Calls to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s disaster distress hotline increased 891 percent from March 2019 to March 2020, according to a spokesperson. And a survey released last week by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45 percent of individuals say stress related to COVID-19 is affecting their mental health.
Experts worry the current mental health infrastructure is not enough to support the uptick in services necessary during the health crisis, and that the combination of stressors could have crippling effects.
https://www.rollcall.com/2020/04/10/virus-forebodes-a-mental-health-crisis/
= new reply since forum marked as read
Very true!!!
I've been scouring tbe Internet for free support & posting in individual state & mental health support forums.
I encourage everyone to pitch in!
