Grief and COVID-19

Mental illness and substance use has increased as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation, economic insecurity, job loss, changed educational platforms, and death  of loved ones to COVID-19 has caused a gaping hole with a deep sense of loss and grief. Psychiatric illnesses like depression, anxiety, alcohol use and  use of other substances is closely related to grief from the loss of loved ones i.e. Covid deaths. The necessary social distancing and quarantine measures in place as a way to prevent further Covid outbreaks, has significantly amplified emotional turmoil by substantially changing the social fabric by which individuals  cope with tragedy. This mental health surge is bringing challenges for individuals and families including increased deaths from suicide and drug overdose. It makes it all the more important for mental health risk assessment of the vulnerable population, and to get treatment for those at highest risk for prolonged grief and post traumatic stress as a result of Covid pandemic. If you or a loved one is suffering with unbearable grief, depression traumatic stress, substance-abuse please reach out to your primary care clinician or a mental health professional like myself, who are trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions.