Many Mental Health & Addiction Resources Go Virtual During COVID-19 Pandemic

Thank you for reading my first blog. My hope is to provide information in an interesting way and to link resources that could be helpful for you or someone you know. My goal is to be entertaining but not glib, as I will be discussing serious topics. I welcome feedback.

Although the word is being overused, this really is an “unprecedented” time in our history. Social isolation, fear of the unknown, concern for ourselves and our loved ones’ health, and perhaps grieving and loss can all exacerbate underlying anxiety and other mental health conditions especially if they are untreated. In addition, people we normally look to for guidance and comfort are now dealing with the same uncertainty as we are and may not be as readily available to help.

At the same time, many of us are using technology to connect more than ever before, especially since many of us are now in the same boat. For example, I had never even heard of Zoom before social distancing, but now I see it as a life line.

Many are seeing this time as the world resetting itself and someone pushing the pause button. It can be a time of reflection and a chance to start or deepen a meditation practice. (I will be discussing more about meditation in the next article and providing resources.)

People struggling with addiction may be especially vulnerable during this time if they do not have healthy coping mechanisms to fall back on. In addition, they may not have as easy access to their “drug” of choice, which can exacerbate underlying trauma, and they may rely on other unhealthy behaviors as a substitute. This universal pause could be an amazing opportunity to restart and there are many options out there.

Most Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are now virtual through Zoom and can be accessed around the globe.

In addition, addictionresource.com has provided information on addiction treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is never an easy time to change ingrained habits and addictive behaviors, but sometimes change is the simplest choice when so many other things we are used to are taken away and we are forced to slow down.