BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Mental health conditions continue to skyrocket during the pandemic, leaving many feeling hopeless. But a Lehigh Valley psychiatrist says there are ways to combat the mental health crisis.
Courtney Chellew practices adult, child and adolescent psychiatry at Lehigh Valley Health Network. She believes the mental health impact of the pandemic is something we will be dealing with for decades to come.
In the last year, she has seen depression, anxiety and trauma affect people of all ages at a rate like never before, and says many people who are struggling think their situation will never change.
But that’s not the case, she says.
“These can be things that people eventually see as like any other medical condition. You know, depression is not that different than high blood pressure or high cholesterol, these are things that we can manage in our lives,” Chellew says.
She also says it’s important to lessen the stigma around these health issues.
“I really think that these are very treatable things and sometimes people suffer in silence and this is not something that you should suffer alone doing and we know that having extra support is an important component of managing a mental health condition,” Chellew says.
She suggests staying away from substances as a quick way to feel better. In their place, use healthy eating, exercise, and meditation for mental clarity.
If you or someone you know needs help you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text “home” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
