While the focus rightfully remains on how many people choose to get (or not get) the vaccination, there is another silent, yet vital, initiative at play as the battle continues against COVID-19. It’s often not visible, but it’s there, much like the viral particles themselves.
I’m talking about mental health. Six months ago, the Center for Disease Control said that 44% of Americans were in the throes of depression or anxiety. Parents report pressing concerns like the loss of regular child care, insurance uncertainty, food availability issues, and the possibility of housing problems, before the rent eviction moratorium ends. Where do you go if you can’t pay your rent and a landlord’s patience runs out? There is no shame, no stigma in reaching out. It’s OK to admit that you’re simply not OK. Access mental health help or share your story with a trusted friend, elder, or family member. You’re not alone; this has been tough on everybody. Mental health professionals are exceedingly busy, but you can go to https://bit.ly/3yGjJdN for a quick Mental Health America online mental health screening.
Young adults, teens, and even young children report anxiety, eating disorders, PTSD, or even worse feelings. We must promote mental health help available locally so people can better deal with these very real issues today and into next year. When we need help, we must open up and ask for it- and that takes strength.
One-third of all COVID-19 survivors have “long COVID”, suffering six months beyond the onset of their coronavirus. More than 11-million Americans today still have headaches, body aches, nausea, loss of taste and/or smell, dizziness, lung damage, lethargy, brain fog… the parade of horribles goes on and on. Acute physical maladies often precede mental duress. Now is the time to seek help, before a defeatist mindset sinks in.
“Howzit?” goes from being seen as just a casual greeting when you really care and want to help others. An executive I know recently commented on a well-attended Zoom call that he didn’t like what he “had become” due to the daily toll of the pandemic. He was short with both co-workers and family, so he bravely told us that he got help. He saw despair, acted upon it and is now in a much better place mentally. That’s a great start. So, how’s your mental health? Get ahead by helping your head.
Think about it…