CEDAR RAPIDS The pandemic has taken a toll on people’s mental health and in some cases even created new barriers for people already dealing with mental health issues.
According to a Kaiser Family Foundation tracking poll conducted in mid-July, 53 percent of adults in the United States reported their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32 percent reported in March, the first time this question was included in the polling.
“I think it’s safe to say that this has been a pretty tough year for everyone in one way or another,” said Drew Martel, crisis service director with Foundation 2, a local nonprofit that offers crisis prevention and intervention programs to people of all ages.
ABOUT Columns are the opinion of the author, and include both facts and the individuals personal perspective. Community members are encouraged to submit guest columns up to 600 words for consideration. Wed., December 23, 2020
When things start to feel unmanageable: Iowacrisischat.org; Iowa Crisis Line 1-855-325-4296; Mobile Crisis Outreach 1-855-800-1239
A crisis chat volunteer at CommUnity, formerly the Crisis Center of Johnson County, on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. (Cliff Jette/SourceMedia Group) Hannah Green
When the sun is shining and the sidewalk is warm, there are plenty of ways to get outside and shake that pandemic loneliness and cabin fever. But when the days get shorter and the ground gets colder, a lot of our go-to activities for relieving stress and managing anxiety are no longer an option. Carefully fold in the holidays, and everyone is going to need self-care more than ever this year. While our community has some fantastic resources for when