Mental health meltdown looms for South Florida, and coronavirus is the trigger – By Cindy Krischer Goodman (South Florida Sun Sentinel) / April 28 2020
South Florida mental health counselors and law enforcement leaders are preparing for an intense burst of calls related to mental health emergencies.
While businesses call COVID-19′s effects an economic tsunami, experts fear the repercussions also will include a mental health meltdown unlike anything the country has ever experienced.
Seniors have lost retirement savings. People in multiple sectors have lost jobs and income. Domestic violence and child abuse have escalated. And bosses have grappled with heart-wrenching decisions about closing businesses permanently.
Calls to the 211 helpline in Broward County related to mental health increased 118% from March to April and suicide-related calls increased 86%. Law enforcement officials also see an increase in mental health-related calls to 911 between March 1 and April 22 — the time when the new coronavirus began to spread in Florida, and many businesses and schools closed — compared to the same time period last year.
“Because of the gravity of the economic losses and the level of uncertainty, on the other end of this we likely will see the biggest surge in demand for mental health and addiction services in American history,” said Steven Ronik, chief executive officer of Henderson Behavioral Health in Lauderdale Lakes. “We are working to make sure South Florida’s behavioral health system is funded and well prepared.”
Ronik said people of all ages are becoming despondent. “It’s very important for family and friends to reach out to their people,” he said. Virtual support groups and workshops are available.
Continue to article: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-mental-health-meltdown-20200428-43wy4b6tu5ggfg4uymkwmwl5my-story.html
