COVID-19& MENTAL HEALTH

We are currently living in an extraordinary time. A time that will be noted in the history books; a time that we will tell our children and grandchildren about - “The COVID Pandemic”. The day will come when we can look back on this time and reminisce. When we will remember having to shelter in place, stay isolated, work remotely, and wear masks. We will look back and remember those who died by the thousands, and miss them. Today as I write this, more than 2 million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 worldwide, and more than 134,000 have died. Louisiana has been

by James C. Patterson II, MD, PhD

hit hard by this virus having the ninth most cases in the U.S. and is ranked #3 in cases per capita. At this time, Louisiana has more than 22,000 cases and 1,200 deaths with the rate of new cases reported each day remaining very concerning. Caddo and Bossier Parishes are also suffering with more than 1,300 cases and 70 deaths.

The numbers are staggering when you stop to think about it, but it also helps to look at in context. Of course, we do not want anyone to die…but death and dying is with us every day. Some of us are acutely aware of that, especially if we have experienced the loss of a family member or someone you love. While many do not see death up close or have not

experienced personally, death will always be a part of life. For example, about 300,000 people have committed suicide this year already. Cancer has killed over 2 million. We don’t want this virus to take any more than it has…but it will. We need to internalize this fact and realize that our role is to not spread this stealthy little virus around anymore than possible. Being cooped up at home can be stressful. Many are not used to being at home, and want to go back to work, or get out and do things. Especially with our schools, businesses, churches, and places where we gather socially being closed, the isolation can be frustrating. Prior research on social isolation finds that lacking social connections is unhealthy much like other harmful behaviors such as smoking cigarettes. Most of us are in isolation not because we are lonely, but because we are trying to stop a pandemic. There is a huge difference. One of the most powerful tools you can use against the anxiety and frustration is to realize that staying put is saving lives. It may not be your life, but it could be someone you know or love, and even if not, it’s still a life that is precious to someone. There is something else, which is the unfortunate reality that our current state of affairs causes other secondary problems such as unemployment, increases in domestic violence, and access to services that are needed in ways that may not be obvious. For example, our schools are closed, but some children depend on those schools for meals, and depend on school for shelter from abuse at home. There are risk/benefit ratios that need to be examined in all cases. If the environment you are in is unhealthy, then get help. If it is safer to go elsewhere than to stay home, then by all means do not stay home. Social distancing and social isolation are important as it is literally saving lives. So, let’s figure out ways to alleviate the stress. Go to Church with your friends, but do it on Facebook or Skype – many Churches now have live feeds available. There are lots of way to social distance while staying at home:

Stay busy: Exercise through doing yard work or gardening, take a walk, rearrange your furniture, clean your house. Take control by creating a schedule that works for our current situation.

Stay connected: Check on a friend, enjoy a group video chat or exercise session with family using Skype, write a letter or reach out to co-workers who are also now at home.

Relieve Stress: Play a board game, laugh, take time for personal grooming or to enjoy a hobby you rarely have time for.

Get enough sleep: Avoid stimulants and limit screen time before winding down for bed.

Ask for help when needed

Social isolation does not mean you should stay inside or discontinue communication. It simply means keeping the appropriate physical distance from others and doing so creatively. By all means stay connected with those are important to you. We can do this! The TMI problem is also something worth talking about. There is simply too much information for many people to cope with. The fear and anxiety that comes from watching the news or too much social media can get overwhelming. Here’s an idea: turn off the news. Turn off the videos, turn off the television, turn off the computer, and just relax. Try listening to some favorite music, or (if you can’t actually turn off the digital world) use a calming app or listen to audio tracks of the sound of surf, a babbling brook, a thunderstorm, or anything that helps relax your mind. Disconnect from the digital world as much as you can, for as long as you can. Read a book. Write a journal. Have you and or your kids create stuff for a time-capsule that will be a treasure for future generations. It helps to remind yourself that everything you read on Facebook or Twitter is not true. Get your information from factual sources and remember that what we know and how we should act will change as new information on COVID-19 becomes available. When this pandemic first started, masks were only indicated for the confirmed sick, and of course for those directly caring for them. Now it’s generally a good idea for you to wear one if you have to leave the home, and especially if you are an essential employee and working around others. Our very own LSU Health Shreveport is doing some amazing work to fight COVID-19 and has useful information available at www.lsuhs.edu/coronavirus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has excellent

information that can educate you about this disease and ways to prevent spread. Lastly, be aware and take advantage of the fact that behavioral healthcare is available to you without leaving your home. Stress management techniques, psychotherapy and counseling, even medication management, can all be accessed virtually through telehealth. If you need help, call 318-626-2445 and remember this situation will not last forever. Together we will weather this pandemic and be stronger personally, as a community and a nation.

James C. Patterson II MD, PhD Professor and Chair – Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine Clinical Director – Louisiana Addiction Research Center Christus Schumpert Chair of Neurobiology