The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life – and for most of us the change has not been for the better. Millions have lost jobs, health care coverage and are at risk of losing their house or apartment. Those with jobs have a “new normal” at the workplace, or home is now the office. Many parents struggle with the choice of sending their children back to school or doing remote learning. Older adults are dealing with social isolation. Hundred of thousands have family members and friends who contracted the disease and died or have lingering effects of the virus. The list of the impacts to date of COVID-19 is endless.
The mental health toll of the pandemic is far ranging. For some, it’s just feeling “blue.” For others, professional help for depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions is needed. Still others opt not to seek treatment and turn to alcohol and drugs.
This Weekend’s Reading starts with Mental Health Matters that provides information on Michigan’s shortage of mental health professionals, as well as the mental health and economic consequences of COVID-19 in the US as compared with other wealthy countries. Next, in Take Your Pick, read one or more of the short articles on a variety of topics, including goosebumps. Do not miss In the News for COVID-19 updates. And lastly, stop by the Take a Drink section for H20 information!
I hope you enjoy the following:
1. Mental Health Matters
Michigan Radio: Michigan shortage of mental health services outlined in report
Citizens Research Council: Michigan Falls Short on Mental Health Services
Commonwealth Fund: Do Americans Face Greater Mental Health and Economic Consequences from COVID-19? Comparing the U.S. with Other High-Income Countries (Press release & article)
MI Blues Perspective: $575,000 Available to Help Michigan Health Care Providers Fight Suicide
2. Take Your Pick (Short reads – 7 minutes or less)
MSU Today: Michigan State scientists grow the first functioning mini human heart model
NPR: Nasal Spray Is A New Antidepressant Option For People At High Risk of Suicide
University of MI Health Labs: Many Medical “Rainy Day” Accounts Aren’t Getting Opened or Filled, Study Finds
Cleveland Clinic: Why do you get goosebumps?
3. In the News
MedPage Today: Pharmacists Can Give Routine Vaccinations to Children, HHS Says
WebMD: Experts Reject Oleander Extract as COVID Treatment
Reuters: As U.S. schools reopen, concerns grow that kids spread coronavirus
4. Have A Drink
WebMD: What Is Alkaline Water?
Associated Press: Is it safe to drink from a fountain during the pandemic?
U.S. FDA: Bottled Water Everywhere: Keeping it Safe
Have a wonderful weekend!
Regards,
Suzanne
Suzanne Daniels, Ph.D.
AEPC President
P.O. Box 1416
Birmingham, MI 48012
Office: (248) 792-2187
Email: [email protected]
