Many feeling anxious and depressed amid pandemic, more seeking help for mental health
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — The coronavirus pandemic is now taking a major toll on many people’s mental health. Being isolated and alone during the stay-at-home order is now leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues for several Ohioans.
According to Prevention Action Alliance (PAA), staying at home for extended periods of time can cause depression, which can make many feel sad, hopeless and anxious. It can also cause people to feel increased irritability, cause changes in eating or sleeping habits. It can also cause thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
The Trump administration recently approved hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to boost mental health services. However, US officials are now suggesting that it may not be enough to support the crisis and the counseling needed.
In March, the “Disaster Distress Helpline” at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration reported an 891% increase in call volume compared to March 2019.
Another national hotline helping those with emotional distress, received nearly nine times more calls than it did this time last year.
PAA says many young people can feel anxious during this time because they are losing access to many of their friends and activities they would have used to cope with the stress and anxiety they now face. In order to promote mental health wellness during this time, PAA recommends that parents work with the technology available to them to keep their kids connected to friends.
Now that Ohio families are under stay-at-home orders, mental health experts say families should try and spend more time together.
Mental health experts also suggest exercising, reaching out to friends online and meditating.
For help, reach Ohio’s 24/7 Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741-741 or call the national Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
