Coping Through the Chaos

A Look at Mental Health During the Pandemic

By Vicky Roe

Who knew something as simple as going outside would turn into a constant reminder of grabbing your mask? Who knew that for some, sending your kids to school would be turned into setting up a Zoom meeting at the kitchen table? And who knew a trip to the grocery store could turn into the fear of not being able to find what you need. The global pandemic has taken a toll on so many things and people. Hospitals filled to capacity, lives lost, jobs terminated...the list could go on. While we’re seeing a lot of the physical issues caused by the pandemic, it’s important to take note of the very real unseen issues caused by it as well. Natalie Bunner, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Child and Youth Care Practitioner Professional, has seen firsthand how the pandemic has impacted mental health. Remember, you are not alone in this and you can calm your mind through the chaos!

Natalie Bunner

HAVE YOU SEEN/NOTICED AN INCREASE IN PEOPLE STATING THEY ARE DEAL- ING WITH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN?

BUNNER: Absolutely! I believe that before the pandemic, we were all “too busy” to deal with mental health concerns. It was pushed behind our work obligations, social events, extracurricular activities, etc.. However, when we were forced to slow down due to the Shelter in Place order, we suddenly had the space, time and opportunity to (at least) acknowledge mental health issues that challenged our connection with ourselves and others. That realization can be jarring, especially when the go-to distractions are no longer available. I think many of us could no longer deny that the things we had been ‘sweeping under the rug’ were now causing us to trip up.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MAIN ISSUES SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH THAT HAVE BEEN ARISING SINCE QUARANTINE STARTED?

BUNNER: I would say that the issues were already present prior to the quarantine; however, sheltering in place may have exacerbated the symptoms. Some of those symptoms include anxiety, particularly related to the fear of the unknown. As there was minimal information about the virus in the first few months, our understanding was that anyone could catch it and die. This heightened symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, the isolation seemed to exacerbate depressive symptoms for many. With the children I work with, their symptoms were more significant as they realized that the consistency (and in some cases, safety and reliability) that school attendance provided, would not be an option for the rest of the school year. Educators were struggling with a sudden loss of purpose, anxiety about some of their school kids and how the pandemic would impact their employment. I believe that grief was a significant issue experienced by so many. Whether it was “traditional” grief due to the loss of a loved one due to Covid, senior students grieving the incomplete experience of their last year of high school, or the dissolution of an already fragile marriage, grief and loss is certainly felt by significant portions of our communities.

ARE THERE CERTAIN SIGNS FAMILY MEMBERS/FRIENDS/INDIVIDUALS SHOULD LOOK FOR THAT COULD IDENTIFY POSSIBLE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES BROUGHT ON BY THE PANDEMIC?

BUNNER: It is important to note that our communities are not monolithic thus people may experience the stress of the pandemic in a variety of ways. Some may experience significant changes in mood and disruption in behavior- they may express irritability and/or exhibit lower tolerance to stress. Others may experience a decrease in motivation, exhibit increase in isolative behaviors, overt decrease or increase in appetite or insomnia. Still, others may begin to experience a decrease in motivation to maintain their sobriety and may experience relapse in addictive behaviors (drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling). Children may also exhibit some of the aforementioned symptoms as well as an obvious increase in hyperactive behavior, struggles to regulate their own feelings, “clingy” behaviors with caregivers and vicarious anxiety relative to the stress level in the home.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS PEOPLE CAN DO TO HELP COMBAT SOME OF THEIR MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WHILE AT HOME?

BUNNER: I have learned that there are so many ways to promote mental health during a pandemic. It does not have to be grand gestures towards health; one step at a time is the best way to address those challenges and make positive changes in life. For example, before getting out of bed in the morning, I express five things I am thankful for. It helps set my mind in the right direction for the day. Self-care is paramount during this time; this may include spending time reading your favorite author, taking a bike ride around the neighborhood or getting that coveted afternoon nap. To combat isolation, Zoom and Google Meet calls with friends and families can help people maintain connections with their loved ones. One of the things I learned to appreciate during the pandemic was early morning air. Whether we were relaxing in one space or taking a walk around the neighborhood, being outside was a great opportunity to reset our emotional selves. Lastly, eating well (not to be confused with overeating) and sleeping well are foundational tools that promote mental health.

IN ADDITION TO THE PANDEMIC, THE WORLD HAS TAKEN NOTICE OF THE IN- JUSTICES THAT HAVE BEEN GOING ON, PARTICULARLY AS IT RELATES TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AND THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY. HAS THAT PLAYED A PART IN ARISING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES DURING THE PANDEMIC?

BUNNER: I believe that the scaffolding of crises can certainly have a significant impact on one's mental health for two reasons. One, the relationship between the black and brown community and a helping profession is incredibly fragile. When we consider how conflict impairs our personal relationships, we can then imagine the mental health impact of chronic tension between two long-standing communities. Two, the challenges faced in the relationship between law enforcement and the African American community were occurring well before the pandemic. Thus, the Covid-19 experience added life and death concerns that certainly could have increased mental and emotional crises in the community.

OF COURSE IT’S NOT GOING TO BE A ONE SIZE FITS ALL STATEMENT BUT IS THERE ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AND THEIR ALLIES WHO ARE FRUSTRATED, HURT AND OVERWHELMED BY CONTINU- OUSLY SEEING THESE DEADLY ENCOUNTERS?

BUNNER: First, acknowledge that being exposed to these lethal encounters are traumatic. The community is experiencing direct and vicarious trauma and acknowledging that reality is a good place to start. Secondly, know that there are members of the community that are willing to help bring peace, hope and unity. Whether it is a community leader, spiritual advisor, wise community elder or licensed mental health professional, we are in the community with the desire to help you find solace, both personally and globally. Lastly, remember your worth. Surround yourself with people and entities that bring compassion, support and allyship. Identify and gather your resources around you. Understand that you are not alone; we are here and we are walking this journey with you.

ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR THOSE STRUGGLING AT THIS TIME?

BUNNER: I have a friend who told me, “If I hear another person say that these are ‘unprecedented times’ ONE. MORE. TIME..!” But, the reality is, it is! We have never experienced anything like this before. So, it is important that we give ourselves some grace as we navigate through this experience. Just because one experiences mental health challenges during this season doesn’t mean that they have a diagnosable mental illness. It simply means that their ability to emotionally regulate is hampered by the additional acute stressors in their lives. Acknowledging this challenge early and seeking help allows a person to acquire skills to cope with the extra stress in an effective way.

If you or your loved ones are experiencing intrusive suicidal thoughts, please call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

With Vicky Roe, you’re getting the best of both worlds - born and raised in New York City but growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina gives her the Concrete Jungle hustle with a solid serving of Southern Hospitality!

After numerous opportunities, including working for “American Idol” during their stint in Charlotte, to interning for the “Rachael Ray Show”, to becoming a Television News Reporter in Alabama, she ultimately made her way back to Charlotte where she worked as the Executive Producer for a Morning Radio Show. The experience both behind the scenes and on the mic, set her up to be the next powerhouse on Q95.5 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now contributing writer for 337 Magazine.

Vicky Roe, 337 Magazine Contributing Writer