In the ten months of the pandemic, most of us have been affected by social distancing and closures or restrictions of services. Alienation due to lack of job or socialization is taking a toll on many. Even wearing masks, although justified from an epidemic standpoint, makes us less visible, and more anonymous, and disconnected.
While the physical needs of people are more obvious, the psychological and emotional needs may go unnoticed for some time.
Those who have been diagnosed with or hospitalized due to COVID-19 have a one in five chance of developing mental health issues such as insomnia, depression or anxiety says the recent study conducted by Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre and the University of Oxford and published in The Lancet Psychiatry. They also found that one in four of those at risk of this development have never had a psychiatric disnosis prior to this illness.
Additionally, the study found that those with a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis were 65% more likely to catch COVID –19, “even when the known risk factors for COVID-19 were taken into account.”
“This is about twice as likely as for other groups of patients over the same period,” the study continued. “A diagnosis of dementia may also be commoner.”
Children in general population are not immune to the experience of anxiety felt during pandemic. “Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively,” according to a mid-November report from the Centers for Disease and Prevention.
As the Oxford study article concludes, “This finding was unexpected and needs investigation. In the meantime, having a psychiatric disorder should be added to the lift of risk factors for COVID-19.”
Locally
Dannielle Brown MS, LPC, Deputy Director – Behavioral Health Director of Benton County Health Department observed people feeling isolated and alone, often with “increased anxiety and depression, and stress around current events.”
“I can say that we are all experiencing an increase in stress, depression, anxiety, etc., and feel the need to connect with others,” Brown wrote. “The primary job of any therapist or counselor is to support the client in his/her/their needs and create a positive relationship that will allow the individual to meet the goals of the therapeutic relationship. This need for connection has certainly increased with COVID. Our therapists, counselors, skills trainers, peers, and all other staff work hard to build these strong relationships that assist the individual client in moving their life in the direction they wish it to move. COVID has not changed the fundamental structure of treatment.”
Brown pointed out that while most services are now “via virtual format, either by phone or by video conference using HIPAA compliant technology embedded in the electronic health record,” some of the services are still in-person with appropriate physical distancing and PPE for both staff and client. The Department still provides “Assertive Community Treatment team services, [which] is the highest level of outpatient treatment for mental health that Benton County has available. This team provides intensive services to individuals experiencing severe and persistent mental illness who have been unsuccessful in engaging in traditional treatment services.”
As for the challenges, Brown said, “There has never been enough mental health treatment resources and COVID has only put a spotlight on the need. Throughout the state the need for mental health treatment far exceeds the capacity of the systems.”
With the social need for connection more pronounced than ever, Browns said that “Benton County has continued to have crisis services available, including the after-hours crisis line, crisis text line, and walk-in counselor of the day services available during business hours at the Health Services Building [located at 530 NW 27th].”
In closing, Brown points out “mental health professionals are dealing with the same feelings that everyone else is experiencing so I would ask for a little grace and dignity for staff who are continuing to work through the COVID emergency. Understand that we all have family issues, childcare issues, home schooling issues, stress, anxiety, etc., so we are all in this together.”
Adding Stress Onto Stress
Mental and emotional challenges can severely affect those who are subject to domestic violence or sexual abuse. The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, located at 2208 SW Third St, Corvallis, has served the survivors of domestic violence since 1981, By implementing its two-fold mission “to provide services and support to those affected by sexual and domestic violence, and to provide education and leadership within the community to change the societal conditions that cultivate these forms of violence,” the organization lends aid to people in particularly pernicious circumstances.
A CARDV staff member, who wishes to remain anaonymous, spoke of an initial dip in the intakes at the onset of COVID-19, as citizens under lockdown had no option to escape a violent environment. When restrictions abated, the organization resumed normal intakes. At this point, the staff member observed an increase in domestic violence cases as well as their severity. After the initial close down, CARDV now is providing peer advocacy as one-on-one client support. The support group meetings have not resumed yet.
The staff member acknowledged that the effect of a violent or threatening environment of their client will, unfortunately, be a long-term one and the pandemic provides another layer of difficulty for the survivors. After the pandemic subsides, the need for support will continue “but we are still here, still answering support line calls and providing services.”
CARDV Corvallis. Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence. 24-hr Crisis & Support Line – Call: 541-754-0110 or 1-800-927-0197.
By Joanna Rosińska
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