COVID-19 continues to be a part of everyday life through social distancing and utilizing face masks, but the mental health aspect is not being addressed. People’s concerns are funnel focused into staying healthy and not contracting this sickness that those suffering with mental health issues are being repressed.

Stresses about jobs and families contribute to the feelings of depression, isolation, anxiety and overall fear. Widespread panic over money alone, triggers extreme anxiety and stress over providing for oneself during this economic low. President Trump’s CARE act in stimulus relief money only takes a person so far depending on what state a person is from with taxes, rent, fuel, food costs varying significantly.

In a KFF poll, job loss alone has triggered numerous people to have low feelings of self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and poorer mental health by roughly 47% of Americans. As the graph explains below, in this KFF poll, 54% have negative mental health issues regarding income and job loss. As the sheltering in place continues, it is projected that more American’s will feel lonelier and bereaved by this pandemic.

Those already suffering from mental health are more at risk as non-essential business are closed to curve the spread of COVID-19, limiting the care being able to be received and contact with the outside world. But it’s not only adults who are suffering during this infamous historic time in our history but also adolescents and children.

With school being disrupted, along with their daily routine, the children’s place of learning and socializing has been decimated for the time being. And while everyone continues to shelter in place, school districts are at a loss if school will be happening again this fall, if at all. Parents have subsequently been affected as well now having to either be laid off due to the virus and their non-essential employment or to quit to take care of their children, leaving another economic stress on the adult’s plate.

COVID-19 has disrupted numerous things for the American population. It is important to stay healthy, but mental well-being is equally as important. Here are some quick tips Inner Circle Billing has compiled to share.

  • Telemedicine – most insurance companies are allowing the use of telemedicine or the ability to talk with a provider or care professional online, video, or via phone about symptoms of COVID-19, and mental health.
  • Zoom, Google Hangout, Facebook Chat, TikTok – even with the sheltering in place, being able to speak with friends and family is vital. Using a video chatting app helps alleviate the feelings of loneliness and isolation.
  • Healthy Living – eating right and doing exercises increase hormones in the body to make a person feel good. Right now, subscriptions like Beach Body are offering a sale to help get active at home.
  • Writing Letters – hop on the Wells Fargo Express and send some snail mail to your friends and family. Writing and being creative with words or art takes the mind off problems and eases the stress while a person is critically thinking.
  • Gardening – murder hornets or not, gardening and being outside, gives the body much needed vitamin d and fresh air.
  • Self-Care – make time for yourself to unwind and kick back. Do something you love to do or try/do/watch something new. But mainly, take the time to chill and ease your mind and worries from the social media.

As always, Inner Circle Billing wishes you all stay safe and healthy. If you or anyone else is in crisis, please reach out for help.

SAMSHA – Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration @ 1-800-662-4357

Posted in 2020 News