Buffalo, NY (WBEN) As the COVID pandemic reaches the six month mark, mental health experts say it's taken a toll on those with anxiety, but it has not led to an increase in suicide rates.
"What we have seen as a result of COVID19 is just varying levels of anxiety that people have evolved with during this experience, especially because of the longevity of this pandemic," says Jessica Pirro of Crisis Services. "Not only levels of anxiety, but changes that were unexpected from job losses to people missing out on opportunities like travel, children not being able to do school events." Pirro says put that altogether with the anxiety about the virus, it can be overwhelming, leading to depression and other mental health concerns.
Pirro wanted people to call Crisis Services' hotline at 834-3131 as things were evolving. "We're in the forefront in encouraging people to talk about their mental health with their families, friends, with workplaces paying attention to the change with remote working and that lack of structure could impact your mental health as well," says Pirro, who continues to encourage folks to call with concerns about their mental well-being.
Pirro says calls have increased regarding COVID anxiety. But she notes suicide rates haven't gone up. "That's not to say there haven't been suicides, but they're trending numberwise, similar to what we've seen in previous years," says Pirro.
Melinda DuBois of Mental Health Advocates of WNY believes there's a reason for the lack in spike of suicide rates. "I think that's the result of a community that cares and tries to reach out to those with suicidal feelings, so our community has done a lot," says DuBois.
DuBois says she's found before COVID19, the mental health situation was a crisis. "People weren't necessarily accessing or able to get treatment, and now with COVID, it's exacerbated the situation," explains DuBois. "What we also know is that about 50 percent of people who meet the definition of depression and anxiety in the middle of this pandemic have gotten worse. More and more people are feeling depressed, and this has taken a toll on people's mental health.
DuBois says focus on what you can control instead of what you can't. "Focus on day to day joys in your life, exercise, connecting with loved ones, relationships with others," says DuBois. "You can't control over the weather, COVID19 or the news. We can control taking care of each other, wearing masks, and connecting with others, even if it's virtually."
Please join us tonight at 6pm for a two hour special, I'm Listening, devoted to suicide prevention.
