Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, the stay-at-home measures and disruptions to daily life that aimed to slow the spread of the virus and save lives led many public health specialists to worry that the nation also could see an uptick in suicides, drug overdoses and domestic violence. Nine months later, those grim predictions look like they're coming true. "There is a mental health wave to this pandemic," Dr. Ken Duckworth, CMO of NAMI, told ABC News. "We as a species don't do well with uncertainty." People age 18 to 25 may be the most affected group, Duckworth explained. "We need to take a look at the age impact," Duckworth added. "In the age where identity is developed, young adults are missing college." "This pandemic isn't going anywhere," Duckworth said. "My advice is: Lower expectations, stay connected with people, reach out for professional help when needed, don't skip your flu shot and remain physically active."
