Covid 19 and mental health

It is with great concern and frustration that I write this today. I have become aware of emptied hospital departments for mental health in preparation for Covid 19 patients that never arrived. These units sat empty while many struggled with their sanity or addictions and tried to cope and hold on. I see the news stories reporting on the increase in people being removed from a bridge or having already jumped and taken their life. These people needed those empty hospital units and the staff that worked there. This current world crisis is impacting mental wellness in so many ways and on so many levels. Some one may have been OK but current situations, job loss, fear, stress, food insecurity the list goes on, this may put them over the edge and now we have less resources to help them. I do not have the answer to this situation but I hope by starting a discussion we can all make our voices heard and make sure these mental health units return to normal operating procedures and hours . I encourage you to take a few moments and look up what your local hospitals are doing. This unprecedented time we are living through definitely requires mental health support.

Lisa YeagerMay 7, 2020

My name is Lisa Yeager, I am George’s mom and the founder of GBY3 Foundation. George’s life was an amazing adventure that became a wild roller coaster ride due to mental illness. Our family attempted to educate ourselves as much as possible in order to help and support George in his struggles. In the 18 months since his passing while grieving and planning this foundation, the one thing that stands out more than anything is the need for education among students and erasing the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. Young people need to know it is OK to ask for someone to talk to. Adults need to listen with empathy and understanding. Looking to end your life is not a solution to any problem, neither is hurting yourself. My hope is to begin a nationwide conversation that puts our young people at ease with their social emotional health and encourages them to explore resources including counseling, therapy, self help, physicians and music and art therapy as well as yoga and meditation for self care.

In years to come we hope to influence change in the healthcare system for mental health patients to meet their needs in all health arenas and help prevent homelessness. The entire health and well being of the patient must be addressed and not dictated by lack of insurance or inconsistencies in government systems and health institutions.

It’s OK to not be OK…