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Specialists seeing mental health and addiction issues worsened by COVID-19 pandemic

Pandemic precautions create a bigger hurdle for those dealing with mental health issues and addiction. As COVID-19 concerns linger, many people feel more isolated than ever.

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Pandemic precautions have created a bigger hurdle for those dealing with mental health issues and addiction. As COVID-19 concerns linger, many people feel more isolated than ever.

Maxx Dempsey struggled with opioid addiction for about 10 years. “I’m a person in recovery,” said Dempsey, and also a person offering help for others in need of help.

“I wanted to give back to the community and the best way for me to do that was to get into peer support,” said Dempsey.

As a certified peer support specialist, Dempsey understands how COVID-19 has led many to fall deeper into mental health issues and/or addiction.

“Some of the folks that were well established in their recovery have had slips. Some folks have struggled just getting started in recovery because of the isolation of COVID-19,” said Dempsey.

Most people have felt the impact of the pandemic with added stress and life complications. “Add to that, folks that are dealing with substance use and maybe using that as a coping mechanism and maybe it’s gotten a little out of control. So, having an organization like Southlight that you can reach out to, to get help, is really important right now,” said Adam Hartzell, CEO of Southlight Healthcare.

Hartzell points to Southlight Healthcare’s 50 years of service in the Raleigh-Durham area, offering comprehensive care. The program is available in 6 locations in the Raleigh/ Durham area.

The program offered a bridge of hope for Maxx Dempsey who crossed over from receiving care to now serving others in need. “We’ve kind of reached the other side and we want to give a helping hand. Recovery is one of the most difficult things that I’ve done, but it’s also the most rewarding,” said Dempsey.

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