EP 6: How do we manage anxiety and other mental health challenges during a pandemic?
In rural and already vulnerable regions of the country, mental health issues are challenging a stressed health care system — and also creating new coping techniques.
On this episode of “Life, Community, and COVID-19,” hosts Charity Nebbe of Iowa Public Radio’s and Gemma Gaudette of Boise State Public Radio take a closer look at how mental health professionals are helping those dealing with loneliness, anxiety, depression and more during the pandemic.
The hosts also talk to Daniel Finney — a former Des Moines Register columnist who lives with depression and anxiety disorders — about how he copes, especially in light of recently losing his job.
What does the future hold for those who need help and those providing help? And what can we do right now to ease anxiety in our children and in ourselves?
As our guests Chris Edwards said: “It’s important to be socially distanced but not distanced socially.”
If you are experiencing a crisis, please seek professional help by calling the National Alliance on Mental Illness at 1-800-950-NAMI or 1-800-950-6264.
On this show, you’ll hear from:
Chris Edwards, psychologist with St. Luke’s Clinic Behavioral Health Services in Twin Falls, Idaho.
Daniel Finney, former Des Moines Register columnist and mental health blogger in Des Moines, Iowa.
Myra Campbell, therapist at the Nimiipuu Health Clinic on the Nez Perce Reservation in Idaho.
Heath Druzin, Guns & America reporter based at Boise State Public Radio in Boise, Idaho.
Audio diary of children talking about how the pandemic has affected their lives by Amanda Peacher of Boise State Public Radio.
You can also read our Twitter thread below to see what we covered in the show.
Staff: Producers Frankie Barnhill of Boise State Public Radio and Katelyn Harrop of Iowa Public Radio.