Tips for Managing Mental Health During the Pandemic

A new study reveals that with 90% under some form of stay at home order due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there is an impact on the mental health of everyday Americans

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

April 6, 2020

If you’re feeling anxious, depressed and having trouble sleeping you’re not alone. A new study by Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national non-profit mental health system for veterans and military families, revealed alarming findings on the state of our mental health.

Cohen Veterans Network President and CEO Dr. Anthony Hassan told us, “Our America’s mental health COVID-19 Pulse Study found that 58% of Americans are concerned because now they are required to social distance and they’re confined to their home and limiting their ability to reach out and get help when they need it…The study also shows that 80% of Americans because of this epidemic people will not get the mental health services they need when they need them. We cannot let this happen. Americans must know that mental health services and support services are available and that treatment works.”

Today, telehealth, face-to-face video therapy, is a bright spot for us right now. “Telehealth has become the opportunity to improve access to care. In every crisis there’s always opportunities and telehealth has stepped up to be that opportunity. That we are going to be able to now provide access to quality care anywhere, from anywhere to anyone,” says the Doctor, “What we are seeing at the Cohen Veterans Network and with my provider friends across the country is that telehealth is just as effective and people are accessing care.”

Other things we can do? Dr. Hassan says focus on the basics, “take care of yourself, get the right amount of sleep, stay connected to those that you love, talk to your friends, your family, chat, FaceTime, don’t isolate, because we know that if we feel connected there’s a good chance that we are going to get better.”

The good news from the study, Hassan says, is that looking to the future, most Americans remain optimistic, with eight in ten being hopeful, and a third -- very hopeful.

Visit cohenveteransnetwork.org/telehealth for help.