HealthyPlusFeb15spreads - Flipbook - Page 6
Stressed, anxious, and
depressed
The other side effects of COVID
W
hile COVID-19 brought many visible changes to the way we live—
social distancing, mask wearing, hand sanitizing—it also created
some concerning and less visible changes to the lives of many.
The toll of a year in lockdown
According to Lori Vadakin, division director
of outpatient, Community Rehabilitation and
Treatment, and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Services at United Counseling Services in
Bennington, “Without a doubt, the pandemic has
had a major impact on the mental health of many
people of all ages and walks of life. Even now,
well after vaccines have been administered, we’re
seeing anywhere between 25 to 40 new people a
week seeking out our services.”
In addition to the sheer volume of lives lost
to the virus, Vadakin says other aspects of
COVID are contributing to higher levels of
stress, anxiety, and depression.
“Virtually every aspect of our lives has been
impacted by the pandemic. Our daily routines
have been disrupted, jobs lost, schools and
businesses closed, financial strains mounted,
and social distancing kept us from friends,
family, and support networks leading to
a widespread sense of uncertainty, loss,
and isolation.”
She also notes that for individuals with prior
mental health conditions, symptoms simply
compounded. “Really, no one is unscathed and,
quite honestly, at this point it’s 100% okay to not
feel 100% okay. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do
something about it.”
“…it’s 100% okay to not feel 100%
okay. But that doesn’t mean you
can’t do something about it.”
– Lori Vadakin
Help is here
Local resources for
managing stress, anxiety,
and depression:
VT:
Help is just a phone
call away
If there was one thing Daniel
Merges wished people
understood about getting
help when they’re feeling
overwhelmed or stressed it’s
this: “If you had a bodily injury
that made life difficult, you’d get
help. If you’re struggling with
emotions or relationships that
are making life difficult, there’s
help for that too.”
A licensed clinical mental
health counselor with UCS,
Merges notes that a simple
phone call to UCS will connect
you a counselor who can help
you determine exactly what
in your life needs to change
for you to feel more in control
and at peace. “Depending
upon the issue,” he says, “we
might work with someone for
a few months or even a few
years, helping them develop
skills and strategies for dealing
with challenges they face. No
matter the scale or scope of the
problem, there are ways to make
it better. And it all begins with a
phone call.”+
United Counseling Service, Bennington
802-442-5491 | ucsvt.org
MENTAL
HEALTH
In addition to one-on-one counseling,
UCS offers the following support
groups that meet in-person and online:
Anxiety/Depression
Anxiety
Friends & Fun Peer Support Group
Learn to Live Well Peer Support Group
Hearing Voices
Wellness Group
NY:
Rensselaer County Department of
Mental Health, Hoosick Falls
518-686-0694
Know the Signs
The first step to controlling stress, anxiety, and depression is knowing the signs. If you’re experiencing
any of the following, connect with your doctor or counselor.
Changes in appetite
Difficulty sleeping
Relationship difficulties
Challenges with concentration and focus
Irritability, frustration, boredom
Significant weight gain or loss
Low motivation to engage in basic daily tasks
or even things that previously brought you joy
Self-isolating
Not responding to calls from family/friends
Ongoing sense of worry that feels unmanageable or overwhelming
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