Anxiety, depression spike comes later

Jana Mathia, Gazette Editor | Apr 30, 20200

COLFAX – With the state under stay home orders, it seems a prime environment for anxiety and depression. But the current situation is only laying the ground work for mental health issues which may not manifest themselves for months down the road.

"The place we're in now, people are just hunkered down," said Mike Berney, director of Palouse River Counseling, the main community behavioral health organization in Whitman County.

"We're starting to see a few requests come in," said Berney. Those calls are being dealt with more via telemedicine and Zoom.

Berney cited emergency preparedness models that show anxiety issues start manifesting about two to three months after the crisis starts, depression at two to six months and trauma at nine months. While no model is perfect, he said, this data has been consistent. The root cause event can occur a long time before people start exhibiting issues.

Berney added that if a second wave hits, all bets are off on how people will respond.

Palouse River Counseling has seen some calls and requests for service due to the crisis already, but Berney expects to see the majority this summer or fall. Even if the stay home orders are lifted next week, there will still be people seeking services down the road to cope with what they have already gone through.

Typically, a person experiences anxiety and then depression. However, the person may not be aware that is what they are going through. Anxiety can manifest in sleep issues, restlessness, less patience or snapping at things.

"They start reacting to similar situations differently than they did before," he said.

Depression signs can include difficulty getting out of bed or difficulty sleeping.

People do not need to wait for their symptoms to reach panic level before seeking help. If it is causing a problem, then they should reach out, Berney said. Often the signs are not intuitive, so it is helpful to watch out for each other to recognize when something is amiss. People can reach out to Palouse River Counseling, a doctor or even a neighbor to start working through their problems.

There are things people can do now to help cope with crisis and mitigate or eliminate the need for more help down the road. Palouse River Counseling has complied resources to cope with feelings of worry, stress, anxiety or depression.

"These are really the things we're encouraging people to do," Berney said of the resources which include a variety of activities to help get through this phase.

Even though much of life is uncertain, a person can find stability in planning out the day or having a daily ritual, even if it is only one activity, that can be done every day, ideally at the same time. When your mind starts thinking of worst case scenarios, instead of fighting it, create a plan with how to deal or cope with those scenarios. Just limit the amount of time to this worst case planning, then do something else.

Put your mind and body to work; learn a new language, dance or trivia tidbit; connect with someone else, get outside. Practice mindfulness or do some yoga.

Another suggestion is to limit social media or news. Limit the amount of time with those sources and stick with a trusted source. If someone on social media posts things that unnecessarily increase your worry, unfollow them for the time period.

Getting plenty of sleep is also key in giving your body time to sort through stress.

The National Center for PTSD has ways to manage stress associated with the outbreak.

"It's not necessary to have all elements in place, but implementing some...may help you deal with the stress caused by the COVID-19 virus," center material states.

Additional suggestions are to increase your sense of safety by following good hygiene habits and make a plan for what will happen if someone in the home does become sick. Cultivate ways to be more calm and realize it is understandable to feel anxious and worried. Accept what can not be changed and focus on what can. Avoid impulsive behavior, get organized.

Remain hopeful.

By dealing with stress now, people can be better able to deal with the feelings that come later.