As COVID-19 infection cases continue to fluctuate, one area that medical experts continue to see an increased need for is mental health care.
Primary care physicians are often the first stop for many patients who seek help with their mental health. Dr. Jay-Sheree Allen, a family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic, says that’s one of the main reasons patients are making appointments.
“We’re seeing a lot in the primary care setting now related to mental health issues, particularly major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.”
Dr. Allen explains how one might feel with these symptoms — “loss of interest in things that you once enjoyed, feeling very hopeless, feeling very sad.”
The pandemic has had a rippling effect on mental health. It brought isolation, and grief of lives lost and lives changed.
“People who couldn’t go to graduations, who postponed weddings, whose marriages fell apart during this time. I think there’s a lot of grief that’s driving some of these increased numbers of mental health diagnoses,” says Dr. Allen.
As people continue to seek medical help, Dr. Allen says there is something we can do for each other.
“We need to offer each other grace. One of my favorite quotes is: ‘Be kind because everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.'”
“Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network.”
Republished with permission[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
