Now that it appears our region is moving along in reopening from the COVID-19 lockdowns, it's time to assess where things stand. Thanks to you we have been successful in flattening the curve and meeting the required state metrics. This is a huge accomplishment and it's important we remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidance from our state and local officials. We want to keep moving forward. Many thanks to all the Heroes out there that helped get us to this point.

Good mental health is critical in our ongoing response to COVID-19. And now that we are able to breathe a Semi Sigh of Relief, it’s important for us to take stock of our overall mental health and wellbeing. Certainly stopping the spread of the virus and making sure individuals had access to proper medical care during this pandemic has been the first priority but we can’t ignore the very significant psychological stress and damage that has occurred.

Exposure to stress can be the trigger to our natural “fight or flight” response. When there's danger the part of the brain called the amygdala quickly sends distress signals to the hypothalamus which then sets things in motion to help keep us safe. The hypothalamus part of the brain acts as the command center of the entire human body and releases hormones including adrenaline which acts like a shot of caffeine or maybe more accurately espresso. This happens quickly and usually without us being aware. Throughout this pandemic it’s quite likely your amygdala has been working overtime to keep you alert and on your toes so you can do those things to stay safe such as washing your hands, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing.

So while this tiny and very primitive part of the brain works well to keep us safe, exposure to ongoing stress and having to remain at high levels of alert for prolonged periods of time, can often lead to increased feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness and even suicide. Exposure to ongoing stress can also trigger anger, violence and substance abuse.

People’s distress is understandable given the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives. During the peak of the Covid-19 virus we were afraid of getting the infection, dying or losing someone we love. The social isolation as part of the stay at home orders has been challenging for everyone especially vulnerable populations, including the young, the elderly and the mentally disabled. Just the mere uncertainty during these times is upsetting to most and the exposure to the 24/7 news cycle covering the pandemic can be exhausting.

Now that the numbers of infections in our region are going down our worries are turning to a possible economic downturn that might lead to lay-offs, loss of employment and loss of income. A lot of folks were already living paycheck to paycheck before the pandemic and are now worried about how they are going to pay the monthly bills for housing and food. With children at home and out of the classroom for several months now we’re concerned about the long term social and educational consequences the pandemic may have on child development.

And there still are so many unknowns. The experts continue to learn about this virus and we don't yet know when a vaccine will be available. Living with this uncertainty is a threat to our sense of safety and wellbeing.

While we take that Semi Sigh of Relief we’re also acknowledging we're clearly not out of the woods just yet. What can we collectively do in order to address the mental and emotional fallout from Covid-19? How can we manage the ongoing mental and emotional stress during this time?

Glad you asked.

First and foremost, pay attention to it. It's easy to want to push away and ignore feelings that are unpleasant. Denial is a beautiful thing until it places you in dangerous situations. Just like you pay attention to your heart rate, your blood pressure or your body temperature, pay attention to your thoughts and emotions. And take steps to manage those thoughts and feelings in healthy ways.

Second, know that you are not alone. By now I'm sure you've heard the phrase "We're All In This Together". Even though you may feel you are going through this by yourself or no one out there understands or cares about you, the fact is most of us are struggling mentally and emotionally as the result of COVID-19 stress. Knowing that you're not alone, even while living in isolation, can be comforting.

Third, there is help available. Please know that several individuals, agencies, organizations and the faith community is ready and willing to provide you with assistance at this time. Currently in Chenango County there are several efforts underway to help the members of our communities manage the aftermath of the pandemic and weather the uncertainties of the future.

And finally, if you or someone you know is experiencing emotional or mental distress please do not hesitate to call any of the numbers below:

NYS Emotional Support Helpline, 7 days a week, 8am-10pm, at 1-844-863-9314.

Mobile Crisis and Assessment Team (MCAT), 24/7/365, at 1-844-732-6228.

Chenango County Behavioral Health Services (CCBHS) at (607) 337-1600 during regular business hours.

Submitted by,

Ruth Roberts, LCSW-R

Chenango County Director of Community Mental Hygiene Services