The Longevity Project, Part 3: Mental health impacts of pandemic are multifaceted

Local mental health care providers are seeing a higher patient load than ever. And nationally, research shows an increase in anxiety, depression, burnout, sadness and substance use since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is impacting our mental health,” said Lilia Luna, behavioral health director for Northwest Colorado Health. And the national trends “align with what we are seeing in Northwest Colorado.”

“It’s been a year unlike any other,” said Justin Ross, a licensed clinical psychologist and director of UCHealth’s workplace well-being program. “Very few people have gotten through it unscathed.”