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W e're all dealing with it, whether we want to admit it or not. This COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone. Not everyone has gotten the virus and suffered the physical health effects, but everyone's mental health has been impacted. The stress of employment, worry of getting the virus or giving it to other people, grief of losing a loved one, and loneliness of isolation to protect yourself and others are all factors that may weigh on us. They also may have a ripple effect if you don't take care of those feelings. While vaccines are helping, the virus is not disappearing any time soon. We are continuing to learn about new strains like Omicron, which may have many of us scared and worried, as we deal with an anxiety we have never dealt with before. Since the start of the pandemic, doctors across the world have seen an increased need for mental health help. According to the American Psychological Association, rates of anxiety and depression among adults were four times higher between April 2020 and August 2021 than they were in all of 2019. Our local doctors are seeing the increase as well. Since March 2020, River Edge Behavioral Health has experienced a 23.9 percent increase in the number of people needing professional help with mental health and substance abuse. "We're not surprised by that, given the CDC's study and people experiencing mental distress," said Dr. Shannon Terrell Gordon, CEO at River Edge. "Nobody has lived through this pandemic before in their lifetime and it has had impacts on health, grief and employment. So, it has rocked life as we've known it, which has been challenging for folks." Gordon said River Edge has specifically seen an increase in phone calls from people dealing with anxiety and depression, and from people who once dealt with substance abuse, who are finding it difficult to stay sober. "A lot of people look to self-help groups for support in their ongoing sobriety," said Gordon. "When you can't meet or you have to meet six feet apart, that is a struggle." HEALING UNSEEN WOUNDS While still working to treat those with COVID-19, local hospital systems like Piedmont Macon and Atrium Health Navicent also are working to cure mental health wounds. Both systems have seen a surge in people seeking mental health help, but doctors said they were expecting that. "We are social animals as human beings. So, being forced to stay away is really a source of significant stress. People have MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS MANY LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS OFFER HELP TO THOSE EXPERIENCING STRESS AND ANXIETY FROM THE ONGOING COVID-19 PANDEMIC BY EDNA RUIZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT ODOM had to change their entire lifestyles," said Dr. Cesar Figueroa, Piedmont Macon Medical Director for Behavioral Health Services. "I don't think these feelings are going to go away right away. Only time and professional help are going to make a difference for people." Bonnie Gifford, Director of Behavioral Health at Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care Center of West Macon, urges those in need to try therapy. "To anyone dealing with any of these feelings or issues, I would suggest seeking help," Gifford said. "They don't have to keep coming if they find out it's not something that benefits them, but if they come and try it, they'll be surprised." These healthcare facilities have several programs already in place and available for people battling depression, anxiety, substance abuse and so much more. Since the pandemic, they have started using virtual and telehealth to treat patients, but have started to offer in-person treatment again. GET HELP NOW There are many local services available to help you navigate your feelings, and it is important for you and your loved ones to seek help. Help comes in many different ways, from yoga to knitting to virtual calls. Find what works for you. If you know of any other mental health services in our community, email them to hello@maconmagazine.com. Macon Mental Health Matters maconmentalhealthmatters.com Yoga Therapy with Megan Carson megan@sparksmaconyoga.com Piedmont Macon piedmont .org/behavioral-health/behavioral-health- services-macon | 478-765-7000 Atrium Health Navicent Primary Care Center of West Macon 478-633-5500 River Edge Behavioral Health river-edge.org | 478-803-7600 48 maconmagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022