A recent poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 45 percent of adults say the coronavirus pandemic has affected their mental health.
IU Health Behavioral Health expert Lindsay Potts says this crisis is one we can expect to last a longer period of time, and she expects to see growth in the number of people whose mental health is affected.
Potts says many people with preexisting behavioral health conditions will require extra support.
“We’re also finding that individuals who didn’t need behavioral health support before are seeking out those services now,” Potts says.
Potts advises having realistic expectations of yourself while adjusting to a new schedule and other challenges, like working a full-time job and helping your kids learn from home.
She says it’s important to recognize both feelings of helplessness and empowerment as you experience them.
"We're all in a different routine than we're used to," she says. "With that comes a kind of discomfort, and with that, some mood swings."
She says the unpredictable nature of the pandemic can lead to unpredictable emotions and reactions. Recognizing these challenges is important to being adaptable.
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