Mental health professionals said they believe the negative psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are only beginning to emerge as crisis calls in Fayette County surged in March 2021.
Chestnut Ridge CEO Mike Quinn said they have seen a 40% to 50% increase in calls to their crisis line, mainly from people experiencing suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety or depression.
âThat has grown month by month, and is really at its apex right now,â he said. âI think some of the studies and some of the predictions are going to show the mental health effects of this pandemic. We are just starting to see the tip of that iceberg now.â