News Clips
Mental health is the next coronavirus wave
April 5, 2020
By: Joey Bunch
The cost of the pandemic that can’t be calculated is the mental illness toll.
While policymakers and the private sector sort out the debris of the global coronavirus tragedy, the mental health of many will factor heavily into the losses, as certainly as a washed-out bridge in a flood.
When this gets sorted out, you can count on the influence of state Rep. Jonathan Singer, a Democrat from Longmont, a social worker by training and a man I know to be of remarkable compassion and character. He is hosting a series of weekly webinars on ...
The second pandemic, mental illness, could come roaring at us as the COVID-19 virus spreads
April 1, 2020
By: Pam Zubeck
Originally appeared in the Colorado Springs Indy
‘I’M SUPER STRESSED RIGHT NOW. Everything’s stressful.” That was a text message from a friend that lit up my phone on March 22. The COVID-19 virus was invading the country, and Colorado already reported nearly 600 positive cases and six deaths.
Things would get worse in the days to come.
But already people were grasping for ways to anchor their psyches in a time when everything is out of whack. Many fled their offices to work from home. Schools were dismissed. Events ...
COVID-19: Mental health and physical health are not two separate things
By: Vincent Atchity
Statement appeared in the Pagosa Sun
Mental Health Colorado President and CEO Vincent Atchity released the following statement:
If you’ve ever doubted that mental health and physical health are closely related, you’re probably not so doubtful anymore.
As we learn about more cases of COVID-19 and all the measures that are being taken all over the world, you may find yourself growing increasingly anxious. Our mental health and physical health are not two separate things.
Some anxiety is normal, especially in times like these. But we need ...
Mental health care in Colorado has gone virtual thanks to coronavirus. For some patients, it’s long overdue.
March 30, 2020
By: Jennifer Brown
Community mental health clinics are still open during the pandemic, but therapists are meeting with clients in privacy-protected online sessions.
eby Williamson used to take note of her clients’ body language and the vibe that filled the room when they came to see her for mental health therapy. That’s not happening now, since she meets them via computer.
Williamson, a licensed clinical social worker in private practice in Colorado Springs, is one of thousands of mental health professionals in Colorado who have switched to ...
ESSAY: Don’t Let Anxiety Get the Best of You
March 30, 2020
Posted By: The Pagosa Daily Post
Author: Vincent Atchity
If you’ve ever doubted that mental health and physical health are closely related, you’re probably not so doubtful anymore.
As we learn about more cases of COVID-19 and all the measures that are being taken all over the world, you may find yourself growing increasingly anxious. Our mental health and physical health are not two separate things.
Some anxiety is normal, especially in times like these. But we need to be careful not to let our anxiety get the better of us. Our anxiety has ...
Importance of learning to ‘mentally and emotionally pace’ yourself as you social distance
March 28, 2020
By: Jordan Chavez
Originally appeared on 9News
Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the outbreak and the constant stream of news about the novel coronavirus.
DENVER — Mental health care providers say they're seeing a surge in patients due to fear surrounding COVID-19.
Many are feeling overwhelmed by the outbreak and the constant stream of news about the novel coronavirus. One factor behind their concerns is that no one, not even medical professionals, have an idea when life will return to normal.
9NEWS expert Psychologist Dr. Max Wachtel ...
With uptick in ‘anxiety, hopelessness,’ local experts offer advice, resources for mental health
March 23, 2020
By: Grant Stringer
Originally appeared in the Sentinel Colorado
AURORA | As the pandemic and financial woes create more anxiety in Aurora and across the region, mental health experts say residents can maintain sanity with at-home strategies and resources.
Care providers at the Aurora Mental Health Center, which runs clinics and therapy sessions for Aurora residents, are working overtime with patients through video and phone links, said Chief Medical Officer Anne Garrett-Mills.
“Stress from of all of the sudden life changes, loss of income and ...
Social distancing could drag on for months in Colorado. How will we stay sane?
March 23, 2020
By: Kevin Simpson
Vincent Atchity found himself in the near-constant company of his family this week as he worked from home in his role as president and CEO of the advocacy group Mental Health Colorado.
At one point, he half-jokes, he had to hide in the basement from his two kids, 7 and 9, to get things done. His wife also works remotely and together they’ve taken on another task, essentially home-schooling the kids during a day that hasn’t stretched to meet the challenge of school closings.
Welcome to life in the time of the coronavirus ...
Mental health and COVID-19: Practice kindness, connect with others, journal
March 22, 2020
By: Jessica Gibbs
Originally appeared in the Highlands Ranch Herald
With a global pandemic closing schools, businesses, entire communities and threatening people's livelihoods in addition to their health, it can be difficult to stifle the anxiety, stress and fear coming with the crisis.
“I think the public is very scared and I think that there's a lot of fear and anxiety because there's so much uncertainty,” said Cynthia Grant, chief clinical officer for AllHealth Network, a behavioral health nonprofit offering services throughout the Denver ...
We Know You’re Stressed. Here Are Some Tips For Managing Anxiety During An Outbreak
March 19, 2020
By: KUNC's Colorado Edition
With all the news about the spread of the novel coronavirus in our state and around the world, it's hard sometimes not to get a little bit anxious. KUNC's Colorado Edition spoke with Vincent Atchity, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, about how to maintain mental health during this stressful time.
Erin O'Toole: There is a virus spreading around the world. What level of anxiety is considered healthy or normal at a time like this?
Vincent Atchity: I think that almost any level of anxiety is considered ...
