Publications on Mental Health Topics

Could COVID-19 Finally Destigmatize Mental Illness?, by Jessica Gold, TIME, May 13 2020.

“There is a research model going around that suggests as many as 150,000 additional people could die from mental health-related outcomes of COVID-19. I could argue the merits of the mathematical model as many of my colleagues have. I could also make the case that discussing the depths of despair and predicting increasing suicide rates over and over could, in fact, lead to copycat suicides. But what if I took an alternative stance, and told you that—though absolutely no one would wish a pandemic on anyone— this is actually what mental health needed to stop being stigmatized and start being valued? ”

How CEOs Can Support Employee Mental Health in a Crisis, by Ryan Smith, Harvard Business Review, May 1 2020.

“Business leaders are justifiably focused on the here and now of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there’s a looming second-order mental health crisis that is only beginning to emerge as a result of global quarantines and a massive, sudden shift to working from home. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, 75% of people say they feel more socially isolated, 67% of people report higher stress, 57% are feeling greater anxiety, and 53% say they feel more emotionally exhausted, according to a global study of over 2,700 employees across more than 10 industries undertaken by Qualtrics and SAP during March and April 2020. ”

Too Much Time Spent On Social Media Is Taking Mental Health Toll On Users During Coronavirus Pandemic, by Peter Suciu, Forbes, May 1 2020.

“Even as social distancing efforts continue and millions of Americans remain in isolation it is impossible to escape coronavirus-related news and information. It leads the evening newscasts on the networks, fills seemingly endless hours of cable news; and is discussed by every talking head, political pundit and even late night comedians. Coronavirus also continues to dominate social media, which remains where many people now are turning for news – but should they? ”

The best mental health tips for staying sane in isolation, by Rachel Mishael, BBC, Apr 29 2020.

“As people around the world self-isolate because of Covid-19, factors like anxiety, a lack of social interaction or outdoor time and economic stressors can lead to mental health challenges. While everyone’s circumstances vary and people are experiencing this global pandemic in different ways, many have found relief using similar approaches. Here’s what our readers shared about how they’re holding up and what has helped them stay positive. ”

Coronavirus is causing a mental health crisis. Here’s how to fight it., by Anna North, Vox, Apr 16 2020.

“Covid-19 patients and those caring for them could be especially at risk for anxiety, depression, and other conditions. As weeks of distancing turn into months, many people are experiencing a greater and greater sense of isolation. They’re also dealing with the uncertainty of when and how the pandemic will end, the fear of getting infected, the economic crisis that has cost millions of Americans their jobs, and the inconsistent messaging about the virus from authority figures. ”

Supporting Social and Emotional Learning During the Coronavirus Pandemic, by Erlanger Turner, U.S. News & World Report, Apr 14 2020.

“During this current COVID-19 crisis, many parents now find themselves in the role of a teacher given school closures to prevent the spread of coronavirus. For decades, psychologists, child development experts and educators have emphasized the importance of social and emotional learning, or SEL. ”

Not a staycation: Isolating at home affects our mental health (and what to do), by Claire McCarthy,MD, Harvard Health , Apr 14 2020.

“Tips from a pediatrician at Havard Medical School, Dr. McCarthy. "There is no way that we can live this without anxiety and sadness — and no way that our children can live it without anxiety and sadness. We all need to do our best, sure, but it’s important that we acknowledge that we are feeling strange and bad, that our kids are too, and this can’t help but affect how we all behave. We have to take care of ourselves in a different way, being proactive about our mental health." ”

Coronavirus is harming the mental health of tens of millions of people in U.S., new poll finds, by Joel Achenbach , Washington Post, Apr 2 2020.

“Nearly half the people in the United States feel the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health, according to a survey published Thursday that demonstrates how the covid-19 pandemic has escalated into a nationwide psychological trauma. The tracking poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation, conducted March 25 to 30, found that 45 percent of adults say the pandemic has affected their mental health, and 19 percent say it has had a “major impact.” The rates are slightly higher among women, Hispanic adults and black adults, the survey found. ”

Pregnant during a pandemic, by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN , Mar 30 2020.

“Imagine the challenge of expecting a child without knowing what to expect. CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta shares the stories of three women who are due to give birth in the coming weeks and answers key questions about pregnancy in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. ”

Stress? Fear of COVID-19? Therapists treating the vulnerable go online to help, by Menna A. Farouk, Reuters, Mar 25 2020.

“As the spread of coronavirus grows so too has people’s stress levels and anxieties, prompting businesses for good around the world to turn to technology to help the most vulnerable cope with mental health issues. ”

How To Sleep With Coronavirus Anxiety, by Adam Popescu, New York Times, Mar 25 2020.

“Many people spend their nights now tossing and turning, struggling to unglue from the constant scroll of coronavirus news updates. But, while there is no body or life hack to make you impervious to the touch of disease, we do know that sleep is key to helping our bodies stay healthy. “Sleep is an essential part of protection from and response to any infection,” said Douglas B. Kirsch, a neurologist and former president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. ”

Mental health experts offer counsel on staying calm during coronavirus pandemic, by Joel Achenback, Washington Post , Mar 17 2020.

“The coronavirus pandemic is becoming a brutal psychological test. This is a dreadful moment with a potentially deadly pathogen on the loose. This public health crisis can take a mental toll on people, especially those struggling with anxiety, depression and other conditions. ”

Stress and Coping- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), by Center of Disease Control, CDC, Mar 14 2020.

“The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. ”

How to keep coronavirus fears from affecting your mental health, by AJ Willingham, CNN, Mar 14 2020.

“"There is a ton of information out there. The challenge is trying to determine which information is accurate." says Lynn Bufka, Associate Executive Director for Research and Policy at the American Psychological Association. She suggests taking control of your intake through the following steps (listed in article) ”

Keep your teen moving to reduce risk of depression, study says, by Sandee LaMotte, CNN, Feb 11 2020.

“Science shows moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise is good for us -- it improves sleep; lowers blood pressure; protects against heart disease, diabetes and cancer; reduces stress; boosts mood; and fights anxiety and depression. It's especially important in adolescence, where the first signs of depression often begin, studies show. But unless your child is an athlete, it can be tough to wean them away from social media and the ever-present screen to swim laps or go for a blood-pumping jog. ”