Coronavirus Sparks Mental Health Concerns: Where To Turn On LI

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Speaking about the impacts of the new coronavirus, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has addressed not only the human health and economic crises at hand but also, the mental health issues triggered by the pandemic.

"Life has turned upside down," Cuomo has said, comparing the situation to the snow globes many remember from childhood. "You shook the snow globe and the snow went all over. Somebody picked up our country and just shook it. . .and it's chaotic and things are flying."

With social distancing and quarantine the new normal, people are faced with new edicts, Cuomo said: "Don't touch anything. Don't hug. Don't kiss," he said. "We're human beings and that interaction is so important to us. That emotional affirmation is so important to us."

People, many agree, are not feeling just isolated but struggling with depression and heightened anxiety over the coronavirus itself — and experts are offering insight on how to handle an unprecedented time in collective lifetimes.

The perfect storm

"I think most people would rank this as one of the most stressful times they've ever experienced," said Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, president and chief executive officer of the Family and Children's Association in Mineola. "Health concerns, economic worries, and the uncertainty on top of social isolation is the perfect storm. Layer on top of that a pre-existing mental health condition or a substance use disorder and things become even harder, he said.

While many have adapted really well to online support groups, peer coaching via FaceTime and Skype sessions and check-in phone calls, "it's not the same as a face-to-face interaction — and getting the folks most in need engaged in the process can be challenging," Reynolds said. "As we all hunker down to avoid COVID-19, that social isolation puts some folks at risk for conditions that can be just as deadly."

At FCA, he said, the worry also focuses on those who might suffer with family violence, struggle with depression and anxiety or to maintain their recovery, and seniors who are often isolated during the best of times and those who are economically insecure.

"We've re-doubled our efforts to reach and support those folks via phone, video and social media," Reynolds said, adding that he also worries about what state budget deficits and plummeting sales tax revenues will mean in relation to funding for health and human service programs going forward.

"The levels of PTSD in our community, especially among health care workers, first responders and our own social workers are going to be epic and we have to make sure that we are ready, willing and able to support those who are putting it all on the line for us today," he said. "This crisis is like nothing we have ever seen before and the aftershocks are going to be just as challenging."

Linda Aydinian, a retired New York State school counselor, past president of the East End Counselors Association and a NYS certified substance abuse counselor as well as a trained bereavement counselor and volunteer for East End Hospice, has worked as a counselor for 40 years.

"I have a friend who is a nurse in a hospital in western Nassau County and she was telling me how in all her years as nurse, she has never seen anything as bad as this COVID-19 situation. She was expressing great concern for her coworkers who are under an extreme amount of stress and strain and fatigue and felt that they were perhaps prime for post-traumatic stress disorder," she said.

Someone to talk to

Although Aydinian asked if she could help with supplies, her friend told her that she really wished medical personnel had someone to talk to. "That is why I offered to listen," Aydinian said.

She wrote a post on Facebook saying she was there to listen if anyone at all needed to talk. "And I do mean anyone. Medical personnel, first responders, truckers, friends, family, past students/teachers — anyone. I sit home and I feel so helpless. If this is what I can contribute, then so be it. We are in this together and together we will get through."

Everyone is currently experiencing stress, fear, sadness and isolation to varying degrees, Aydinian said. She is thankful, she said, for technology enabling many to stave off the loneliness and isolation through FaceTime, Zoom meetings, online dance and yoga classes and sing alongs.

"People can worship from the safety of their homes," she said. "But again, I go back to our front line workers who are too tired from pulling 17-hour shifts to join an online dance class or sing along. The doctors and nurses who are overworked, overwhelmed, scared for their health and their families and fighting so hard to make those who are sick well — and sadly, not winning the battle, sometimes multiple times a day. "

Reflecting on so many grappling with fears at home alone, Aydinian said: "We have never experienced this level of isolation on such a scale before. It's not healthy for an extended period of time. That extreme isolation and loneliness can lead to depression and loss of hope when what we need now is hope. And I do know that people are remarkably resilient and caring."

And, she added, the focus can be on things that can be done to help: "Turn off the TV. Get moving; get some fresh air. Call and talk to friends. Pick up a new hobby. Since all my acrylic nails are off I may pick up my husband's guitar or make that Indian dish I have never cooked before."

"Look for the helpers"

Roberta Temes, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and author based in New Jersey, responded to the concerns raised by coronavirus. "There's a difference between being alone and being lonely. Alone means time to clean your closet, try a new recipe, sleep till noon, binge watch whatever you want, eat all the Mallomars, and stay in pajamas all day," she said. "Lonely means admitting that you crave company, yet, you are forced to be by yourself."

She added that it helps to find a role model, someone who has been through isolation and loneliness and has come out the other end.

"Mister Rogers said, 'Look for the helpers. That's your task," she said. "Please identify the helpers — the people to whom you can cry, to whom you can email. They will understand what you're going through, because they were once alone and afraid."

Talking about fear, she said, helps to manage the anxiety. "Name it — is it fear of running out of food? Getting sick and no one can care for you? Being unable to help a loved one? Running out of money? Being permanently unemployed? Drinking too much?" she asked.

Temes said the internet can provide diversion, amusement, information, and help.

"An alternative mind/body technique called tapping may help, too," she said. "You can use your clean, soap-washed fingers to tap on your collarbone to relax."

Faith-based healing

Local churches, including the Westhampton Presbyterian Church, are live-streaming services and offering supportive emails and scriptures to congregants.

"This is a difficult and unprecedented time for us all, and it is easy to become discouraged and feel hopeless," said Rev. Vanessa Winters of WPC. "But as Christians, we are called to bring hope and light to the darkness of our times."

Coaching sessions by phone

Marisa Striano, founder of Spirit's Promise Equine Rescue in Riverhead, is also a life coach. She is hosting free 30-minute life coaching sessions via phone to help people cope during "this uncertain time." The sessions will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

“During this difficult time in history, we all need to stick together and help one another through. If you need anyone to talk to, I’m here for you," she said. To make an appointment, click here.

"Social isolation is a challenge," said Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming. "No matter how much technology fills the void right now there is something very important about actual connections that is being lost here. We need to disciplined right now so we can get that back as soon as possible."

Family Service League offers help

Facing mental health or substance abuse issues can be overwhelming, especially combined with the additional stress and challenges communities are facing due to the COVID-19 virus, the Family Service League said.

"We are certainly very concerned for those people who already struggle with mental health and addiction issues as well as those who are at risk for developing such illness in the face of mounting anxiety and increased social isolation," said Christian Racine, senior director for clinics at FSL. "People with mental health and addiction issues often feel isolated and have a tendency to withdraw from others which then perpetuates those feelings of isolation. This can often lead to an overall worsening of symptoms."

Treatment, he said, often includes exercises to help people seek out and build social connections as a way to break the cycle. "The current need to physically distance ourselves from other people makes that very difficult and people might see the situation as inescapable, never ending and hopeless," he said.

In addition to staying connected with their treatment providers, often through telemental health, FLS recommends that people do whatever they can to maintain a connection with other people, whether it be by phone or webcam, he said.

Maintaining a sense of normalcy, by sticking to a schedule; imposing some structure in the day is also important, Racine said. "Any physical activity can help to reduce anxiety and brighten our mood. Regular exercise is great when possible, but even regular stretching or short walks would be helpful. Limiting exposure to media, which can be anxiety producing — perhaps to once or twice per day," he said.

FSL’s DASH Crisis Care Center is a source of help for Suffolk County residents who are struggling to cope; for help, call 631-952-3333 24 hours a day or click here for additional services.

There are ways to help neighbors in need, as well; for information, call 631-470-6770 or click here. Those opportunities to give back include FSL's homeless shelters; senior outreach; and telehealth counseling.

Additional resources

For those facing mental health issues, a piece of the human puzzle that cannot be ignored, according to Cuomo, Suffolk County residents can call 311 for help and resources..

Cuomo said about 6,100 mental health professionals have volunteered to help folks deal with the emotional trauma of the coronavirus cases, including those out of work. New Yorkers are encouraged to call the mental health hotline at 1-844-863-9314 to schedule an appointment for free services.

FLS also offers support and advocacy for individuals living in long-term care facilities, and their loved ones. FSL’s volunteer ombudsmen advocate for residents by addressing quality of life and quality of care issues along with concerns for residents' rights. The service is available to anyone residing in a nursing home, adult care facility, or family-type home across the state.

Wile in-person visitation to all facilities has been restricted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NYS Department of Health due to coronavirus, FSL's ombudsman office is available for phone consultations or questions. For information contact yvette.boisnier@fsl-li.org, 631-470-6755, or click here.