Shutdowns Spur Mental Health Crisis in US, Experts Say

Nation’s mental health taking a hit amid pandemic, with an increasing number of Americans experiencing anxiety and depression

BOWEN XIAO

Abasket of worries—spurred by anxieties related to job security, financial instability, grief from death, or loneliness—are plaguing an increasing number of Americans living amid the COVID-19 pandemic and its shutdown measures.

Among 5,412 Americans surveyed at the end of June, 41 percent reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, according to an Aug. 14 Morbidity and Mortality report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number is higher among younger adults between the ages of 18 and 24, with 75 percent of respondents reporting experiencing at least one condition.

Dr. Carla Marie Manly, a clinical psychologist who specializes in stress and anxiety, has noticed “a huge surge in depression, suicidality, and anxiety during the pandemic,” she told The Epoch Times. Manly has participated in a number of programs to help those affected, including virtual group sessions, free mental health videos, and individual therapy work.

Just over 10 percent of adults reported seriously considering suicide in the previous 30 days before June, the CDC said, approximately twice the number reported in 2018.

The U.S. death toll from COVID- 19 stands at 176,223, according to Aug. 24 data from the CDC, and at least 5.68 million cases.

A growing number of tragedies, coupled with the uncertainty of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, is spurring a similar mindset to a restless period that occurred after 9/11, according to Carole Li-

People are worried about a possible second wave of the virus, but I can guarantee we will have a second wave of mental health crisis.

Nicole Avena, visiting professor of health psychology, Princeton University


JOHANNES EISELE/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES


Circles painted on the ground in Brooklyn’s Domino Park, to make people to follow distancing guidelines, in New York on May 17, 2020. AL BELLO/GETTY IMAGES


A woman hugs her grandmother through a plastic drop cloth, in Wantagh, N.Y., on May 24, 2020.



Shutdowns Spur Mental Health Crisis in US, Experts Say

Nation's mental health taking a hit amid the pandemic as an increasing number of American's experience anxiety and depression

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eberman, a doctor, psychiatrist, and author.

She also warned about the negative effects of a fearmongering media.

“We’ve heard about the horrible, lonely deaths that patients with COVID-19 suffer because they’re in quarantine,” Lieberman told The Epoch Times. “Forced isolation through stay-at-home mandates can cause many physical and psychological problems including anxiety, depression, and suicide.”

Lockdown restrictions and the pandemic itself are taking a severe mental toll on many, something that needs to be addressed and prepared for, mental health experts say.

It should “absolutely” be treated as a national health crisis, according to Nicole Avena, assistant professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City and a visiting professor of health psychology at Princeton University.

While some are handling the pressures well and making the best of the time to be with their families, many have turned to unhealthy coping methods such as alcohol or overeating, she said. Other factors, such as children not being able to attend school, could also be affecting well-being.

“People are worried about a possible second wave of the virus, but I can guarantee we will have a second wave of mental health crisis, which is already unfolding with increased suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol use,” Avena said.

According to the CDC report, more than 13 percent said they had begun or increased the use of substances to cope with stress related to COVID-19. Substance use was defined as the use of alcohol, legal or illegal drugs, or prescription drugs taken in a way not recommended by a person’s doctor.

“I think we need to be a little more realistic about the situation that has unfolded in terms of how it is impacting mental health,” Avena said. “Mental health is often an invisible condition, and we are treating it like it doesn’t exist amid this pandemic— and that isn’t right.”

Living Together

One couple based in Los Angeles said their lives were turned upside down due to the pandemic and almost tore their relationship apart.

Their families live on either side of the country.

With no one else for company except each other, they began “driving each other insane” and “things started falling apart,” Mikayla Wilkens told The Epoch Times. Pre-pandemic, the pair often traveled for modeling work.

“In June, we were engaged and on the verge of splitting completely,” she said. “The pandemic took a toll on both of us.”

With no set schedule, and stuck in the house, Wilkens’s mental health declined to the point where she checked into a 45-day treatment program in mid-June, giving her and her husband some needed time apart. Her husband also started therapy.

After receiving help, they bounced back stronger than ever, Wilkens said.

After the programs, they were able “to teach each other new things and help one another through our bad days,” she said. They made their relationship more of a priority as well.

“We run numerous businesses together, and I personally am a workaholic. ... So every day, we put our phones away at a certain time and spend quality time together cooking, playing a game, going out in nature around our house, reading


In June, we were engaged and on the verge of splitting completely. ... The pandemic took a toll on both of us. Mikayla Wilkens, professional model and small-business owner in Los Angeles COURTESY MIKAYLA WILKENS


Mikayla Wilkens and her husband.


SPENCER PLATT/GETTY IMAGES


A man walks along an empty street in Manhattan's Theater District on June 30, 2020.

I heard this ...my mind went bazurck ...
just unforgivable
do not care if he had drugs in his system...
he should have never been taken down like that ...
MG when will this cruelty be stopped by police ...

https://youtu.be/vRJh-b2ni2U

Any local women with Bad attitudes are welcome to help me with my Happy camper policy. xoxo