Anxious about pandemic? You’re definitely not alone How to get through this time
Mental health professionals recognize the issues it creates, provide help to those in need Emily R. West
Vanderbilt University Medical Center psychologist Lindsey Mckernan has heard it over and over again from her patients the last two weeks.
The words “coronavirus” and “COVID-19” have entered her telehealth therapy sessions as the virus has sickened hundreds and left several dead in Tennessee, according to data from the state’s department of health.
“It’s combined with uncertainty about what’s next and how it might affect core aspects of their lives,” she said from her home office. “A lot of people are concerned about financial stability, and at the same time you’re maintaining a flood of information, which seems to evolve or change every day.”
Mckernan said Nashvillians have it particularly hard because the region’s first cases came the same week as the March 3 tornado that hit the city. Since then, cities have declared a state of emergency and stay-at-home orders have been put in place.
Both Tennessee and national suicide prevention experts have said social isolation and quarantines can trigger those who have depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts.
(If you’re in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 support from a trained crisis counselor.)
“People had their sense of safety threatened,” Mckernan said. “That’s what this pandemic is doing to people is challenging our own sense of safety. That’s a core need we all have. When that’s threatened we respond in ways we feel in our body, our thoughts and our choices.”
Impact on mental health
In Tennessee, the Department of Health reported 10,224 deaths by suicide during the last 10 years. The rising number is edging out deaths by motor vehicles.
The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network doesn’t want to see that figure rise during this pandemic, when residents are strained and could feel hopeless.
“COVID-19 is having an impact on people’s mental health and well-being,” TSPN Director Misty Leitsch said. “And for folks considering themselves introverts, it was nice. But now even they are struggling with social isolation, and that’s unfortunate. For extroverts, it’s very difficult. If people have been let go from their job or no longer have a paycheck, that’s even worse.”
Leitsch said some of the best coping skills are being honest with family and friends, and checking in with individuals who are struggling.
“Don’t be afraid to ask someone when they lose their job if they are OK, because they might think about suicide,” Leitsch said.
“Say you love them and care, and that you’re willing and able to help them. Use verbiage that signifies togetherness and not, ‘Here, you can call this number.’ ”
During the first two weeks of March, the nationwide mental health Crisis Text Line — which serves Tennesseans — had 49 times the growth in March over the first two months of the year, according to the group’s data scientist Bob Filbin.
Leitsch said she’s been told the Tennessee line has only showed an uptick, but knew it signified a willingness
Both psychiatrists and mental health providers have tips for getting through the pandemic.
Here’s what they suggested:
Go on walks, but keep socially distant.
Create a COVID-19 free space in your home with no TV or phones.
Find an activity to do with your hands, like puzzles, knitting or cooking.
Recreate your routine throughout the day to find a new normalcy.
Take stock of the anxiety in your body and try to find a productive way to let it out, whether that be meditation or exercise.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 1-800273-8255. In crisis? Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support from a trained crisis counselor.
for residents to seek help. To help continue their work, the group has done suicide prevention webinars. It’s also focusing on the role advocates can play in order to help more statewide.
“Ultimately, if we focus on those who can provide help to reach out to someone who is struggling, we can reach more people,” Leitsch said. “We know those who need help are reluctant. By targeting our focus to those who can help and educating more of the population, we think it will be productive.”
‘We feel grateful’
Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commissioner Marie Williams said it’s been a hectic time, but one filled with support from the governor’s office and mental health providers across the state.
Now she and the commissioner of Tennessee’s Department of Children’s Services are asking for individuals who have earned or are pursuing a master’s degree or who are retired from counseling, clinical therapy, social work and related fields to consider joining the workforce in the event there are workforce needs caused by the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We know this is an unprecedented situation, and Governor (Bill) Lee has asked us all to be agile in our staffing practices to meet the needs of our state,” Williams said.
“Tennessee has a wealth of professionals with both a head and a heart to help our state’s most vulnerable citizens.”
The four state-operated psychiatric hospitals — known as Regional Mental Health Institutes — have immediate openings in many job classifications. The RMHIS also have entry-level psychiatric technician and other positions available, which could be a fit for workers displaced from food-service or hospitality jobs. RMHI locations include Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Bolivar.
Mental health providers across the state have been on calls with the commissioner daily, and the department releases question and answer sheets based on the calls so providers statewide can keep up with the evolving changes.
“How we feel is grateful for the providers and the community for their stepping up to the plate,” Williams said. “We feel grateful we have the ability to continue to serve. I have not heard one person talk about despair. We are in response mode.”
Reach Emily West at erwest@tennessean.com.