To the editor: Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized to raise awareness of mental illness and the challenges individuals face in managing their mental well-being, to highlight resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on various aspects of our lives, affecting mental health and behavioral patterns often resulting in tragedies.
Since April, more Alaskans have died from drug overdoses and had thoughts of suicide or have attempted suicide, according to a Tuesday report from Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
Deaths from drug overdoses rose in 2020 compared to 2018 and 2019, especially in the Northern region and Anchorage, according to the report. This mirrors the national increase in drug overdose deaths during the pandemic, involving synthetic opioids and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.