Results for:

Mental Health

< Back to all posts

How might the increased number of deaths in the world due to Covid-19 affect the people who are alive?

Mental Health

A: The ripples caused by Covid-19 deaths affect everyone. Losing a family member or loved one, particularly a member of your immediate family, can drastically impact the physical and mental wellbeing of survivors within that network and their communities. A recent study estimated that every individual who loses their life as a result of Covid-19 Read more…

Are there evidence-based tips for dealing with the uncertain state of ……everything?!

Mental Health Uncertainty and Misinformation

A: Our brains are wired to despise uncertainty. Cognitive scientists advise a COMPLY – CONSOLIDATE – CONSULT strategy to help cope. Context: During a pandemic – and this current one is clearly on brand – uncertainty reigns. As Drs. Geeta Menon and Ellie Kyung articulate in a recent Harvard Business Review article, it’s natural to Read more…

Is sex dead??

Mental Health

A: With the extra household duties, the zoom fatigue, the existential anxieties, the sadness all around us….it is no wonder that many of us may not be feeling remotely in the mood for sex. Whether you are partnered or not, COVID-19 can be an extremely isolating & lonely time. First of all, we know that Read more…

What can I do to continue to help the children in my life cope with the realities of the pandemic?

Families/Kids Mental Health Staying Safe

A: Provide children with a sense of control. Keep them informed. Get them engaged. The basic rules: 1. Answer children’s questions in a developmentally appropriate manner (using stories or play is a great way to do this for younger children). 2. Stick to routine and schedule (this is harder to do so many months into Read more…

How has the pandemic affected fathers?

Families/Kids Mental Health

Introducing Nerdy Guest Dr. Tova Walsh, PhD, MSW of UW-Madison School of Social Work. Dr. Walsh’s research focuses on improving health and wellbeing in families that are experiencing special stressors. Her work includes understanding the parenting support needs of new fathers and military-connected parents. A: Short answer: Like everyone else, dads have been through a Read more…

Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock Discusses Domestic Violence During COVID-19

Families/Kids Mental Health

Dear Pandemic is pleased to introduce our Nerdy Guest Amy Hammock, MSW, PhD (Assistant Professor of Social Welfare, Core Faculty in the Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University) to discuss domestic violence during COVID-19. Q: Has domestic violence increased during the COVID-19 stay-at-home policies? A: Domestic violence—both intimate partner violence and child abuse—is an Read more…

I live with a toddler. How can we all survive the summer together?

Families/Kids Mental Health Staying Safe

A: Pair the live-in-the-moment attitude of Dory with the caution and planning of Marlin from Finding Nemo. Toddlers thrive on attention and routines. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has added more to the plates of adults while altering most daily routines. You can and will get through this! Here are a few suggestions inspired by your questions: Safety Read more…

My teen seems to need more independence with friends, home routine, and schedule? I feel terrible about all the missed events this year (graduation, starting college, sports). Wouldn’t it help them if we relaxed a little bit with our rules?

Families/Kids Mental Health Socializing

A: Yes and no. Social activity (i.e. school and the life it creates) is critical for young people and their development. They are also beginning to express themselves as individuals, to create their own support networks, to have freedom to their identity, and to simply spend time outside of the home. However, all of this Read more…

I’ve been seeing a therapist for several years and we recently moved to facetime appointments. It just doesn’t feel right. Should we break up?

Mental Health

A: We are all adjusting right now. And therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, counselors, and others who provide mental health services are more often than not working virtually. One thing to keep in mind: Even if it feels different, research has shown that telemental health services can be just as effective as in person services. And Read more…

I am pregnant and am worried about my delivery and my mental health. Where can I turn?

Families/Kids Mental Health

A: You are not alone. More than 20% of new mothers experience a perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorder. Increasing evidence from top journals such as the Lancet are telling us that the effects of COVID-19 isolation policies are influencing our mental health, regardless of whether we had any mental health issues prior to this crisis. Read more…