BOSTON — For those struggling with mental health issues, including suicidal thoughts, there are usually big events happening right now.
There are walks and fun runs to raise money, awareness and spirits. But they’re not happening right now due to a global outbreak of a deadly disease.
Experts say there are a lot of strategies to cope with mental illness even with the confinement.
"There is tremendous power and comfort in being together,” David O’Leary, with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, told Boston 25 News in a video interview.
But personal connections are now lost, O’Leary says, and he urges those struggling with mental illnesses to seek help, even if they’re virtual visits with counselors.
"Some connection with somebody whether it’s through a video a Skype or FaceTime is better than no connection.” he said.
Quarantine life may have an upside, he says.
“If it is getting people to pay attention to their mental health or the mental health of others, that’s a good thing, we can talk about and we can get them to care,” O’Leary said.
But Steve Bisson, a licensed mental health counselor in Holliston, says more people are in need of treatment now.
“Not only do we have people who used to have had suicidal thoughts who are starting to act up again, we have people who have never been suicidal who are worried about their future -- whether it’s their job, their finances, what will happen if they get it,” Bisson said.
He is telling people struggling mightily with isolation to:
- Stay in the moment
- Continue to reach out be social
- Dark thoughts are like a wave and will diminish
Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts
>> Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW
RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
- Boston Coronavirus Information
- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV
[Resources for people feeling anxiety over COVID-19 can be found here and here]
