How to recognize when someone needs help coming out of the pandemic and what to do

How to recognize when someone needs help coming out of the pandemic and what to do
Posted on Jun 15 2021
ABC News Boston

The pandemic is tough, it isolated people and has left many with anxiety and other mental health challenges. In March 2020, life suddenly changed overnight. Now 15 months later, the elimination of pandemic restrictions happened almost as quickly. “There was a huge mental health wave in the pandemic and people aren't light switches,” said Dr. Ken Duckworth, CMO of NAMI. “People aren't that quick to pivot if you've been depressed or traumatized or anxious.” Duckworth said the loss of connection with co-workers and family and friends revealed mental health challenges for some and compounded them for others. “The rate of mental health conditions and substance use conditions essentially doubled during the pandemic from one in five to two and five. At the same time, I think mental health went from becoming a ‘they’ thing to a ‘we’ thing,” Duckworth said. “People have recognized that mental health is, in fact a part of health. And most of us know somebody or have had a personal experience of somebody who struggled with their mental health through the pandemic,” Duckworth said. “Mental health conversations are happening all across the country and they're happening now. They weren't happening two years ago. This is a change and this is an opportunity.” Duckworth says everyone has a bad day or a bad week.