Mental health a year into COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic, having been prevalent in the US for about a year, has had an affect on the lives of people around the world, including an affect on mental health.

“The pandemic has been hard on everyone,” Dr. Marilynn Holman, a psychiatrist at 

Coulee Medical Center, told The Star in an email. “Financial concerns, social isolation, increased childcare, fear for health of self and others – all can worsen stress and mood.”

Holman also said that “those with limited internet/phone access have been particularly impacted as many services or social events are now on tele platforms.”

“Socializing is important as we are a social species,” Holman continued. “It can provide connection, positive feelings, and a sense of belonging. Without social interaction people can feel sad. This is why maintaining contact with loved ones is important.” 

Holman offered a list of advice for maintaining mental health and coping with stress based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control:

Connect with loved ones with social distance

Being informed is important; however, limit daily intake of news. 

Eat healthy food.

Exercise regularly. 

Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. 

Make a daily schedule.

Avoid excessive alcohol and substance use. 

Take time to do activities you enjoy. 

Connect remotely with community organizations.

If stress is impacting your daily function for several days in a row, then contact your healthcare provider about treatment options.

 Holman also offered links to websites related to mental health in relation to the Covid pandemic. 

An article from Cedars-Sinai.org says that “Cedars-Sinai mental health experts say the pandemic may be shaping our mental health well into the future,” and cites surveys showing higher rates of stress and depression. 

 In the Methow Valley School District, mental health professionals have noted an increase in mental health issues in children and teens. 

 The Methow Valley News quoted Sean Fitzpatrick, a school-based mental health counselor at Okanogan Behavioral Healthcare, as observing “a lot of anxiety, heightened anxiety, particularly social anxiety,” in that school district. 

“We’re diagnosing a lot of adjustment disorders – people who are struggling with the change in their norm,” Fitzpatrick said.

 In the same article, Jacquelyn Wiman, director of Child and Adolescent Services at OBHC, said they hope to add counselors to Lake Roosevelt Schools and Nespelem School, with counselors already assigned to Oroville, Tonasket, Omak, Okanogan, Brewster and Pateros school districts. 

Grand Coulee Dam School District Superintendent Paul Turner said that they have had assistance from OBHC in the past, but that it was difficult coordinating with them for consistency in having their services.

“Would love to get their help again,” he said.