As pandemic year winds down, mental health concerns rising in Minnesota
Star TribuneDec 28, 2020
Yes, the COVID-19 vaccine is here. And there's only one holiday left before 2020 finally comes to an end.
But mental health experts say it's normal to feel stressed out right now. And there are many things that people can do, short- and long-term, to address how they're feeling and make a change.
There's evidence that mental health is worsening during the pandemic, especially in the most vulnerable populations — younger adults, isolated seniors, members of Black and Hispanic communities, and care providers, whether paid or unpaid. But anyone can be vulnerable.
A survey of more than 5,400
Suicidal thoughts in the prior month affected 11% of respondents and 26% of adults 25 or younger. In addition, 31% of adults providing unpaid care to other adults, such as in multigenerational households, reported suicidal thinking.
Dr.
"We had a mental health crisis before the pandemic," Duckworth said. "And the pandemic has just accelerated uncertainty, economic distress. … Nobody knows when they are going to get [COVID], or if they are going to get it. Human beings don't like that kind of uncertainty. Some do struggle more than others."
A key trigger of prolonged grief is the lack of traditional funerals and wakes, mental health experts say. Thousands of funerals have been canceled or downsized in
"That's just a really important ritual and many people have not been able to have that. And the grief process is going to take a lot longer," said
Latest statisticsMinnesota crossed the grim threshold of 5,000 COVID-related deaths Thursday, 278 days after the first death in the state was attributed to the viral respiratory illness on
State officials reported 40 new deaths on Sunday, including 27 residents of long-term care or assisted living. All who died were over age 50.
More than 2,500 new cases of COVID were announced Sunday, bringing the state's total to more than 409,000. Sunday's statistics included new deaths and cases from Friday and Saturday.
The average number of deaths per day peaked at 67 in mid-December, and stands in the mid-40s today, still higher than in prior months.
Nationally, the
Dealing with grim newsMental health experts say it's OK to tune out the news at times for the sake of mental health — they do so in their own lives. But stress triggers abound in a year of a global pandemic, racial justice reckoning and economic devastation.
If added holiday stress is pushing problems to new levels, options exist to create short-term and more lasting change.
• Recognize signs of problems: Sustained profound sadness and big changes in sleep or appetite are important to watch, as are recurrence of substance abuse, loss of energy, a fast-beating heart, urges to cry, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts. Some reactions are normal, but major depression symptoms last at least two weeks.
"Is it a short-lived reaction or is it going on and on?" said Dr.
• Telehealth appointments are available: Talk therapy can be well-suited to video or audio-only sessions, and a smartphone may allow more privacy than a home computer. An initial appointment will likely be a screening, potentially followed by a recommendation to start a course of therapy.
"Telehealth is available. Would I say it's pervasive? I think it's working to become pervasive," said
• Exercise to release endorphins: Research suggests physical activity, including walking, has beneficial effects on depression symptoms. So get creative.
"We encourage families of kids to dance in the kitchen. Because you are moving, you are getting those endorphins going, playing happy music which can help you smile," Abderholden said.
• Connect with others: "Connection is a kind of antidepressant," Duckworth said. Phone calls and video chats are good, but it doesn't have to be with family — book clubs,
• Use a helpline: Phone-based helplines include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the Minnesota Warmline (651-288-0400) and the state
Many
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