As more people are affected by COVID-19,
the need for mental health services is at its highest.
A Collier County center said
they’ve seen an increase in people dealing with substance abuse as well as
mental health issues.
The David Lawrence Center said
they’ve seen an increase in patients, many of them already suffering from
substance abuse, depression and anxiety.
“We’re seeing a lot of increase in
depression and anxiety, particularly in individuals who are already
symptomatic,” said Angela Lopez, a licensed social worker at David Lawrence
Center.
She said much of the uptick is
sparked by self-isolation because of the coronavirus.
“We are social beings. That’s what we are
as human beings. We love socializing and we tend to need that,” she said.
Not only has the pandemic shut
down restaurants, beaches and other businesses, it has taken a huge toll on families,
Lopez said.
“One of those areas being a loss of
finances or instability at work and so financially, that hit for families has
contributed to an increase in depression and anxiety.”
Because counselors at the
center cannot meet patients in person, they have stepped up online services by
providing virtual counseling and virtual medication appointments for clients.
“I think individuals are finding the
benefits of telehealth and they’re being able to
see the convenience that it brings, especially for folks who have already
existing transportation barriers or an already busy lifestyle,” Lopez said.
The David Lawrence Center
expects the need for mental health services to rise in the coming weeks and
months, especially as financial concerns grow.
About OrionNet Systems
OrionNet is an Oklahoma small
business founded in 2001. OrionNet has designed, developed and supported
applications created both for the client-server and web environments, as well
as developing, marketing and supporting a commercial application for the
counseling centers industry.
Visit the OrionNet Systems’
website, www.iorion.com, or
their social media pages, https://twitter.com/ThinkHealth & https://www.facebook.com/pages/OrionNet-Systems/139352156150090 for more information.
###