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Zorro

(15,740 posts)
Mon May 4, 2020, 05:10 PM May 2020

The coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a mental health crisis

Anxiety and depression are rising. The U.S. is ill-prepared, with some clinics already on the brink of collapse.

Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, America is on the verge of another health crisis, with daily doses of death, isolation and fear generating widespread psychological trauma.

Federal agencies and experts warn that a historic wave of mental health problems is approaching: depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide.

Just as the initial coronavirus outbreak caught hospitals unprepared, the country’s mental health system — vastly underfunded, fragmented and difficult to access before the pandemic — is even less prepared to handle this coming surge.

“That’s what is keeping me up at night,” said Susan Borja, who leads the traumatic stress research program at the National Institute of Mental Health. “I worry about the people the system just won’t absorb or won’t reach. I worry about the suffering that’s going to go untreated on such a large scale.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/05/04/mental-health-coronavirus/

Waking up to Trump every morning doesn't help, either.
9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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The coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a mental health crisis (Original Post) Zorro May 2020 OP
we have already seen how the so called 'survivalists' became unhinged at the thought of.. samnsara May 2020 #1
They are confused Chainfire May 2020 #3
I just got off the phone after my first BigmanPigman May 2020 #2
Our pets did die. murielm99 May 2020 #4
My friend chose not to get a new dog BigmanPigman May 2020 #5
Like you and your friend, I've held off getting more appalachiablue May 2020 #7
Think it through in your mind & pre-visualize yourself being strong & coping well while grieving. nt Bernardo de La Paz May 2020 #8
It won't be easy, I know that from experience. BigmanPigman May 2020 #9
K&R SheltieLover May 2020 #6

samnsara

(17,622 posts)
1. we have already seen how the so called 'survivalists' became unhinged at the thought of..
Mon May 4, 2020, 05:14 PM
May 2020

...imposed isolation and limited tp....

Chainfire

(17,538 posts)
3. They are confused
Mon May 4, 2020, 05:31 PM
May 2020

Their original survivalist plans were to "go to the mountains" and "live off the land." when the great SHFT happened. What I find hilarious is that the S did hit the F and they didn't even know it until long all after all of us snowflakes had prepared and hunkered down. Somebody must have forgotten to tell them, and they have a really hard time figuring things out on their own.

The Mall Ninja survivalists are probably going to find their ranks thinned out with round two. They have not, and will not follow any safety precautions, and most of them are overweight, smokers and drinkers. It is a winning combination, what they are going to be successful at opening up will be their own graves. They can have MAGA carved on their stone.

BigmanPigman

(51,593 posts)
2. I just got off the phone after my first
Mon May 4, 2020, 05:26 PM
May 2020

session with my psychiatrist and he said none of his patients want to talk to him on the phone or via Skype, they just want to hide at home with their meds refilled.

He's cool and shares my anti-tRump opinions. He knows I am a realist and am listening to the scientists, not the nut in DC. I am not freaking out or doing something stupid when I am at risk. He is not worried about my mental state unless my dog dies (that will send me over the edge).

murielm99

(30,741 posts)
4. Our pets did die.
Mon May 4, 2020, 05:35 PM
May 2020

Last edited Mon May 4, 2020, 06:14 PM - Edit history (1)

They were old. We feel this is not a good time to replace them. We are old, too.

I have to be careful not to drink too much. I am putting on weight. Currently, there is nothing alcoholic in the house.

Do you live alone? I worry more about friends and family who live alone. Stay safe.

On edit: Not that one can replace beloved pets that have become a part of the family after 16 and 14 years. I hope you know what I mean.

BigmanPigman

(51,593 posts)
5. My friend chose not to get a new dog
Mon May 4, 2020, 06:15 PM
May 2020

after hers died a year ago. She can't handle the grief after such a loss. I won't get another dog either since I will outlive it and I wouldn't do that to a dog (they get very attached to me and it would become an orphan). I have a carpet and can't take in fosters or I would. I love, love, love dogs!

appalachiablue

(41,132 posts)
7. Like you and your friend, I've held off getting more
Mon May 4, 2020, 06:50 PM
May 2020

dogs after the loss of the last two.

I love dogs and care for them so much but don't have the time now or the space or yard for them like the last ones.

Pooches, mans best friend indeed.

BigmanPigman

(51,593 posts)
9. It won't be easy, I know that from experience.
Mon May 4, 2020, 07:32 PM
May 2020

I like visualization techniques and this sounds good to me. Thanks.

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