Mental Health Matters

BY JUDY SCHLOTT

IF THERE IS ONE IDEA to take away from 2020, it is that how we respond is sometimes all we can control. The pandemic changed so much for so many—from job changes to school disruption to the inability to see loved ones.

In the Stress in AmericaTM 2020: A National Mental Health Crisis released in October 2020, the American Psychological Association issued a warning about the impact of these stressful events on long-term physical and mental health. They warned that Americans faced a second pandemic—one that would persist even after the physical threat of the virus has been addressed.

The most recent survey of U.S. adults, conducted in late February 2021 by The Harris Poll, indicates that this prediction is indeed coming true. Survey responders revealed that their physical health may be declining due to an inability to cope in healthy ways with the stresses of the pandemic. Many reported they gained or lost an undesired amount of weight, drank more alcohol to cope with stress, or not getting their desired amount of sleep. This is particularly true for parents, essential workers, young people, and people of color.

These reported health impacts signal many adults may be having difficulties managing stressors, including grief and trauma, which could likely to lead to significant, long-term individual and societal consequences, including chronic illness and additional strain on the nation’s health care system.

We have seen many tools spring life to help us continue to function despite the pandemic. Many fought isolation and stayed in touch with their supportive communities in completely different ways. Who knew how to Zoom a year and a half ago? Support groups online, social media networking, resources for mental health and wellbeing popped up everywhere. We see organizations emerging in areas around the state to help provide for families. Skills and coping techniques became more valuable along with therapy and medications. The stigma or mental health has begun to disappear as more and more reach out for help or just realize they need it.

Last year wasn’t kind to anyone. So how does one come out of this time as a better person, tested by the pandemic? The key is for everyone to take the time to assess their health, including mental, physical, and emotional. Reach out to a therapist or discuss your concerns with your health care provider. Normalizing discussions about mental health is the best way that we can aid ourselves and others who are struggling. It is taking those tools that are available now and using them.

It is time to look over those suggestions and do it! It is time to check on your unhealthy habits, decide to change those behaviors, and find the support you need to accomplish it. Recognizing you want to change is the first step and then deciding the steps to accomplish the goal. Reaching out for help is key. Make sure not to stigmatize yourself. Understanding it is okay to seek help. The need for quality, compassionate care has never been more needed and now it’s more accessible. It’s the response with hope that matters.

Judy Schlott is the community liaison at SUN Behavioral Delaware.