Psychology Month means it is time to focus our attention on psychology, and mental health, and the COVID-19 crisis that has brought to the surface the need for more mental health resources everywhere. While there has been a lot of focus on physical well-being and staying healthy during the crisis, There has been little focus on mental health. Mental health is a major part of total well-being and can affect physical health.
The current pandemic has brought on fresh cases of mental health issues and worsened symptoms for those with preexisting mental health issues. There is more ongoing research in this area that will hopefully lead to lasting solutions and not just a quick fix.
The Impact
The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened an already strained mental health system, the system was already strained and is now on the brink of total breakdown. The economic impact alone is well into the billions of dollars. It takes people, finances, and many other resources to ensure they receive quality mental health care.
Who Is Affected?
Those with preexisting mental health problems were primarily the vulnerable populations which include the elderly, children, and adolescents.
The COVID-19 crisis saw many suffer from stress and anxiety due to job loss, and being confined to home for various reasons, adding more mental health cases.
There has also been an increase in mental health problems among front-line workers, also referred to as first responders.
Front-line workers include medical personnel, law enforcement, food service industry employees, and in many states, teachers. Front-line workers have seen the largest number of new mental health problems because they are on the front lines of the war against the coronavirus.
The added stress comes from being overworked and the greater risk of exposure to the virus. This can lead to multiple problems including personal injury claims. The mental health crisis will only worsen unless there are adequate resources available for all people that are affected.
Effects and Implications
There are many implications regarding mental health and COVID-19. They include:
- Frustration
- Fear and phobias
- Depression
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Loneliness
- Being overwhelmed
- Eating disorders
- Job Loss
- Substance abuse
- Problems coping
- Bereavement
The pandemic has opened the door for an increase in these symptoms, meaning more people are affected and increasing the strain on an already burdened system. systemte
Loss of income, decreased social contact, being stuck at home, and — for some — the fear of going out to the marketplace, have all taken their toll. This has also led to an increase insubstance abuse and substance abuse disorders. As substance abuse rises, the mental health crisis worsens, compounding the problems of a weak mental health system.
Death from COVID-19 has also added mental health problems like bereavement and depression. Finally, patients with the virus are experiencing short and long-term psychological and neurological effects from coping with their illness.
The mental health crisis may lead to more potential lawsuits if there aren’t more accessible resources put in place.
Addressing the Need: A Lack of Mental Health Access
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the surface the lack of available mental health care access. The addition of more people needing help to cope with mental health issues and the decrease in the number of resources available has elevated the crisis.
This problem is an international one affecting primarily children, adolescents, the elderly, those with preexisting mental health disorders, those with a job and/or financial loss, and frontline workers.
Most states and the US Public Health have lists of resources that are available for people to go and find help. However, many of these resources prove inadequate and there are not enough workers to keep them maintained, or there is a lack of finances to keep them running.
The Future
The COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-lasting mental impact long after it is gone. Many who have had difficultycoping with the changes that it brought will continue to have difficulty coping unless they can get the right help.
Most people cannot afford health care, including mental health care.
There has been a lot of research regarding emergency mental health procedures worldwide.
A global problem requires global cooperation to see it through.
Much of the treatment options were lost after the pandemic began, but the internet has become a valuable tool for some seeking help.
The Rise of Telehealth
Telehealth, whether by phone or video, has skyrocketed since the pandemic began, with psychology and mental health being integral parts of this change. It is easily accessed and convenient, and you can often schedule your appointments yourself.
It is accepted by most insurances, including Medicaid and medicare. It is not limited to telepsychiatry, but there are many counseling services available as well.
Not for Everyone
Telehealth is not for everyone since some people require a face-to-face session. Some people will not use virtual reality for mental health counseling, and some people lack internet access. For the elderly and children, telehealth can be extremely difficult. These factors influence a patient’s access to the right mental health care.
Helping Others
Identifying those with mental health needs must change. The international community has called for teachers and paraprofessionals who observe children and adolescents with behavioral and mental health problems to help them find the right resources for their mental health. Often, parents cannot help because they are dealing with their own mental health issues.
The World Health Organization has addressed the disruption of mental health services and its effect on the vulnerable and the need for greater access. Many nations are adding mental health as a part of their COVID-19 response. This will hopefully lead to long-term solutions being put in place to deal with the mental health crisis.
Get Help
Many states have enacted laws that affect how personal liability claims and similar lawsuits regarding COVID-19 can be handled. There are still opportunities for lawsuits to arise from mental health problems and COVID-19.
Take time now during Psychology month to get help or help someone you know to get help with mental health issues before it’s too late. There are resources available.
If you have a personal injury or other legal needs, don’t go it alone. Contact Bennett Injury Law for help with your legal needs.
