While business begins to return to normal within the next few months, we must continue to be cautious. Though restrictions are slowly lifting from the pandemic, its effects are still coming to be understood. A recent survey conducted by Harvard, Rutgers and a variety of other universities across the nation has found that twenty seven percent of people in the United States are exhibiting signs of moderate to severe depression, three times the amount that showed signs before Coronavirus. As healthcare professionals, this is extremely concerning for us.
With a higher rate of depression comes greater risk of self-harm or even suicide. Idaho has reported twenty eight percent of their population now suffers from depression, and they are known for some of the highest rates of suicide in the country. Meanwhile, states such as Montana have only seen a twelve percent report of people with depression. While this isn’t a lot, it’s worth noting this is still twice the percentage of what was reported only months ago. The absolute worst infliction this pandemic has produced to those uninfected is the toll it’s taken on our minds.
Depression is a serious illness that for many, won’t go away when COVID-19 is inevitably defeated. That’s why it’s so important to keep in contact. Checking in with loved ones over Zoom, Skype or Discord keeps people going more than you realize. And for people who need it, our offices remain open with digital and at-home solutions for those suffering from mental illness. We’ve nearly made it through this, we just need to keep moving forward – together.
