Health officials warning of the impact of COVID-19 measures.
As the U.S. grapples with the effects of the shutdown during the pandemic, health experts have been identifying one of the significant consequences of the measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield recently stated, “We’re seeing, sadly, far greater suicides now than we are deaths from COVID. We’re seeing far greater deaths from drug overdose.”
The Department of Health and Human Services and other health experts have expressed concerns for months about the impact the shelter-in-place orders have had on mental health and drug abuse. A CDC report shows that, compared to only 11 percent of 18-to-24 year olds contemplating suicide during the year in a 2018 survey, over a quarter of that demographic replied to a survey in June of this year that they had considered ending their life in the past 30 days. And they are not the only ones suffering with depression or a sense of hopelessness.
“Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers reported having experienced disproportionately worse mental health outcomes, increased substance use, and elevated suicidal ideation,” the CDC reported. “Community-level intervention and prevention efforts should include strengthening economic supports to reduce financial strain, addressing stress from experienced racial discrimination, promoting social connectedness, and supporting persons at risk for suicide,” the report continued.
Despite these dangers to mental health and wellbeing, some politicians and policy makers continue to push for a second lockdown to combat the virus.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the Secretary Alex Azar as he leads the Health Department.
- For Director Redfield as he leads the CDC.
- For those who struggle with mental health and stability during the pandemic.
- For an end to the spread of the coronavirus.
Sources: USA Today, Daily Wire, Breitbart
