Hi y’all! So this episode is my first full length episode on my own. I thought it was a topic that I really needed to talk about in this space, and something that I felt I had a lot to share on. Navigating mental health in a pandemic is something that none of us have ever done before. There are so many unknowns, so much stress, and this elevated sense of fear that puts us in a constant fight or flight aka Trauma.
September is Suicide Prevention Month & I wanted to put this episode out before that ends. Suicide rates are already startlingly high, but some research has started coming out about changes in rates since the pandemic and it’s terrifying. In this episode, I discuss what it’s like to be a therapist during a time when everyone is panicking about he same thing. I talk about struggling with my own anxiety and just general life stressors that cannot be put on hold just because the world is on fire (literally). Listed below are some results of current research that were shared to me by a former professor, Michelle Scott. I talk more about what these stats mean in the podcast episode so make sure to listen!! And don’t forget to take care of yourselves, check on your loved ones, and remember, Talking about suicide is never going to cause someone to be suicidal!!!! Talking about it is important, learn the warning signs so you know when to ask the right questions!!
AMA Network Open examined depression rates pre and post the pandemic among adults and demonstrated a significant increase in diagnosable depression as well as an increase in mild depression as well.
A report released by the Center for Disease Control that found that thoughts of suicide in June alone were twice as high as rates assessed last year.
The Young Minds organization conducted a survey that found that out of 2,000 kids and young adults between 13-25, 44% said their mental health is much worse because of the pandemic, and 40% said it was somewhat worse.
Over 57% of adolescents receive some kind of mental health care from their school, and about 35% of adolescents say that’s the only mental health care they receive.
The suicide prevention lifeline number if you or someone you know is struggling: 800-273-8255
In the episode you’ll hear me discuss a book stack challenge hosted by two of my friends on instagram, here is the post of my #BooksWorthLivingFor in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day, last week.
If you have questions or concerns about anything I’ve discussed in this episode, please feel free to reach out, I’m always happy to have a conversation about these important topics. Don’t forget to take care of yourself always.
Shelf Acceptance 