Mental Health Calls Spike in the Pandemic in AL, Experts Say

Michael Wetzel The Decatur Daily, Ala. (MCT) Mental health calls have increased across the Valley, and the root cause is likely COVID-19, according to crisis centers and emergency personnel. “COVID-19 is on everyone’s mind and it is mentioned in many calls now,” said Connie Kane, clinical director at Crisis Services of North Alabama Inc. “We’re seeing an increase in calls because of isolation and loneliness, especially during the holidays, and COVID (played) a huge role this holiday season. Callers are expressing COVID fatigue. People are tired of wearing masks and being isolated. They’re ready for their world to return to normal.” She estimated about 70% of the callers mention the pandemic in relation to job loss, financial troubles and loneliness. “About 10% worry about catching COVID and complain about people not wearing masks in public,” she said. Officials with the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama in Decatur said they are fielding more calls dealing with isolation because of the changes in the callers’ everyday routines. “We’ve seen more people this year,” said Lisa Coleman, executive director of the center. “Children not going to school because of COVID-19 have lost that structure in their lives. Some people feel socially isolated. Clients are afraid to get out. “We’re definitely having more phone ca...
Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: AP News Communications & Dispatch Mental Health Source Type: news