CLEVELAND — There's no doubt we're living in uncertain times. The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented issues relating to health, the economy and the mental health of everyday people.
That's why 3News joined forces with Cleveland Clinic psychiatric experts to give you tips and explanations about what you may be feeling and how to better deal with those emotions.
According to the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) the lack of testing resources, treatment, unfamiliar public health measures that infringe on personal freedoms, financial losses that will continue well into next year and conflicting messages from authorities have contributed to major stress that has also lead to emotional distress in many and exemplifies the need for psychiatric therapies.
A recent study of quarantined people indicated the pandemic has led to not only stress, but also depression, irritability, insomnia, fear, confusion, anger, frustration and boredom.
How do we deal with it? Our panel, moderated by 3News Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins, helped shed light on many of these issues, and coping strategies that may help ease the tension.
Here is a list of the panelists who joined our discussion:
- Dr. Veena Ahuja, child and adolescent psychiatry
- Dr. Donald Malone, Jr., Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at Cleveland Clinic and Director of the Center for Behavioral Health
- Dr. Ethan Benore, head of Cleveland Clinic Children's Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health
- Dr. Gerard Banez, pediatric psychologist
In addition, 3News' digital producer Dave 'Dino' DeNatale joined the panel and spoke about his battle with depression and thoughts of suicide.
These are some of the topics that we addressed during the town hall:
- Kids and virtual learning and not being in school: How it's impacting them, what to watch for.
- Special needs kids (autism) having difficulties learning from home, acting out etc.
- Stress of parents dealing with kids at home and additional workload
- Warning signs of severe depression and potential suicidal thoughts in both adults and kids
- Wellness during a pandemic
You can watch Thursday's entire town hall forum in the player below:
Tips from Cleveland Clinic experts:
Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
- Get enough sleep (at least 8 hours a night)
- Eat healthy (daily breakfast, fruits & vegetables, limit junk foods)
- Drink a lot of water
- Stay physically active (one hour daily)
- Be mindful, learn meditation, practice relaxation
Accept, Commit, & Connect
- Accept what you cannot change
- Commit to staying active
- Do the things that are important to you
- Stay connected
Helpful links that we will point to during the show:
- National Association of School Psychologists Resource for parents
- United Way 211
- ADAMHS Cuyahoga County
- ADAMHS Lake County
- National Alliance on Mental Illness Ohio
- Ohio Mental Health and Addiction Care Line
- ADM Board Summit County
- ADAMHS Tuscarawas and Carroll Counties
- Recovery Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- Society of Pediatric Psychology
Phone numbers to call for assistance:
- National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-273-8255
- Eating Disorders Helpline: 1-800-931-2237
- NAMI Greater Cleveland Helpline: 216-875-7776
- Text 4hope to 741741
- Cuyahoga County Crisis Hotline: 216-623-6888
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Struggling with your mental health? These resources are ready to help
