Recent national studies show that the statistics for depression and anxiety have more than doubled in the last year. Prior to the pandemic, nearly one in five adults reported having a mental illness or substance use disorder. Now, several months into the pandemic, more than one in three adults report having symptoms of anxiety or depression.
As we face the pandemic and its economic consequences, the impacts of both are causing a surge in behavioral health issues. Anxiety-related problems are on the rise, with an increase of depressive symptoms expected to peak in November and December. The holidays tend to compound or exacerbate behavioral health issues and suicide rates; domestic violence rates may also increase into early 2021. Based on patterns of previous pandemics, all of this could coincide with a potential second wave of COVID infections. What’s more, the public health measures that have been put into place to keep us safe have taken away our most effective way of handling stress: our social connections within our communities.
“In virtually every wide-scale disaster I studied, there is a sense of human resilience – people come together. Interpersonal support is the single best predictor of human resilience. This disaster undermines our single most important protective factor,” said George S. Everly, Ph.D., a psychologist at Johns Hopkins University.
How do we increase our resiliency? We need to focus on developing social connections, whether big or small; develop a sense of purpose; become psychologically flexible; and focus on hope. Resiliency is something that can be taught, practiced and developed for people of all ages. Our primary efforts should be focused on connection, activating community supports and asking for help when needed.
According to resilience.org, “Relationships that are built through hard times can be exceptionally resilient. If we take care to cultivate them now and provide pathways for involvement beyond this current crisis, they may endure when a ‘new normal’ begins to take hold (which it eventually will). Some may even help us to more effectively rise to the occasion when the next crisis inevitably hits.”
How do we know if we are stressed out or suffering from anxiety? Anxiety is internal and is your reaction to stress. It is constant, even if there is no immediate threat. Anxiety is a persistent feeling of dread, apprehension or fear that doesn’t go away. Stress goes away once the situation is resolved. Both stress and anxiety can affect your mind and body and include symptoms such as tension, headaches or body pain, high blood pressure, loss of sleep, uneasiness and worry.
So, how can we cope with the feelings of stress and worry? We need to reach out to friends or family, eat healthy, get regular sleep, exercise, avoid excess caffeine, write in a journal and try to identify your negative thoughts. If your symptoms begin to interfere with your everyday life and you are struggling to cope, it may be time to talk to a professional.
Remember that tough times can also allow for moments of growth and our worst times can also bring out the best in us. We all need to find meaning and community amidst the chaos. It’s time to ask, “Are you okay?” Initiate a conversation and reach out to your loved ones, a friend, a neighbor or a co-worker. Now, more than ever, it is important to ask, listen, check in, encourage each other and stay connected. Be the difference in someone’s life. A strong social support system improves overall mental health outcomes and the ability to bounce back from stressful situations. Every one of us deserves to feel okay. QCBN
Deanna Eder is the director of marketing and development at West Yavapai Guidance Clinic.
Cindy Brown is the development
manager for the WYGC Foundation.