#JamesDonaldson on #MentalHealth – Some Fear #SocialDistancing May Lead To #Depression, #Suicide

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Photo by Julia M Cameron on Pexels.com

by Alex Coleman

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — #Stress and #isolation brought on by the #COVID-19 crisis is taking its toll on many Mid-Southerners, and some #mentalhealthprofessionals fear suicide dangers could grow during the #pandemic.

“I’m worried during this time of #isolation we’re going to see more and more suicides,” said Miles Mason is a prominent Memphis attorney usually handling family law and divorce cases.

These days he’s also focused on #mentalhealthissues brought on by #COVID-19.

Mason believes #stress, #anxiety and #isolation are almost as dangerous as the #virus itself — and for him, this is personal.

“I lost my brother, okay, and I don’t cope well. I’m not going to lie about that. I’m angry. I feel guilty like anyone else would and I’ve lost friends during COVID,” he said.

It’s why he’s speaking out about why social #isolation can be dangerous.

#JamesDonaldson notes:

Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.

Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.

Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

At Lakeside Behavioral Health System in Memphis, they’re getting calls from people seeking #mentalhelp.

“We are getting a lot of calls from workers on the front lines. Hospital workers, transportation workers, the phones are definitely ringing,” said Ella-Victoria Robinson, the director of adult patients at lakeside. “We’re seeing people with increase #stress and #anxiety.”

She says we must find a way to connect.

‘People who are suicidal are very much so feeling this #isolation,” Robinson said. “It’s so important and imperative that we remain in contact as much as we can. We encourage the use of technology, #socialmedia, video calls.”

It could be a connection that could save a life.

“Keep the person talking,” Robinson said. ‘Get them to a qualified #mentalhealthprofessional to discuss these issues. More talking reduces the risk.”

Memphis police say they have not seen an uptick in suicides in Memphis directly related to #COVID-19.

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