30% more patients sought mental health care during the pandemic, UNC says
COVID-19 has been in America for more than 18 months. Many people are exhausted, frustrated and angry with how the pandemic has affected life.
Dr. Crystal Schiller, a clinical psychologist with UNC Medical Center says they have seen a 30% increase in people receiving mental health assistance in the past 18 months.
Dal Rodriguez moved to Raleigh for work in the middle of the pandemic and he’s been stuck at home with his four legged co-worker ever since.
"My office is literally here ... and my bedroom is 20 feet from my office," Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is one of the millions of Americans who say they are exhausted, frustrated and upset with the changes and uncertainty the pandemic has brought.
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"I spend you know, between 7-4, that’s 9 hours a day and 8 hours of sleep," said Rodriguez. That’s 17 hours a day in the upstairs portion of my house."
Schiller says it’s normal to feel this way. She says the surge in cases can be a harsh reality after a summer that seemed to be the end of the pandemic.
"Our lives have changed. We’re in this phase of sort of suspended reality now, where we recognize we can’t go back to the way things were but, we don’t really know what the future holds either," Schiller said.
Schiller says she treats a variety of patients: teens, children, adults and especially health care workers. She has some advice for people who may be struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety.
"Try and find some thing that brings you joy every single day," she said. "It’s not an indulgence to go outside and take a walk, or put your feet in the grass listen to your favorite music."
"Call someone you love. It’s really more important now than ever," Schiller said.
Schiller says if you feel like you can't get through your day-to-day activities, it may be time to seek help. She assures her patients, just like Rodriguez, this overwhelming feeling is universal.
"I have a dog who I love and he’s my best friend," Rodriguez said. "I’ll take him for a walk by the river. Just try to get fresh air and try to take in the beauty of the world. There’s so much anger and hate and pent up frustration."
If professional help is something you need but can’t afford, Schiller says Medicare and Medicaid are covering virtual sessions. Many times clinics will also help with fees.
She recommends you reach out to your primary care physician for help in what you're going through.
