It is not surprising that the coronavirus pandemic is having major repercussions for our nation’s mental health. There has been some solid reporting on the traumatic effects the crisis is having on individuals, families, and communities. What is getting less attention is how grossly unprepared our mental health system is to deal with these issues. All of us, especially business and community leaders, must step up and do what we can to support those struggling to get through these tough times.
COVID-19 has exposed the weaknesses and gaps in our health care system. Our mental health system may be even less prepared to deal with a surge of psychological pain and trauma that experts warn is on its way. “Federal agencies and experts warn that a historic wave of mental-health problems is approaching,” writes the Washington Post, bringing with it “depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide.”
Service providers already see an uptick in demand for counseling and support. Unlike the virus, where someone affected usually displays symptoms within days, psychological symptoms can take much longer to surface. That demand is likely to grow exponentially in the coming weeks and months.
“That’s what is keeping me up at night,” said Susan Borja, who leads the traumatic stress research program at the National Institute of Mental Health. “I worry about the people the system just won’t absorb or won’t reach. I worry about the suffering that’s going to go untreated on such a large scale.”
A guide to supporting others through this crisis provided by the nonprofit Mental Health America is a timely reminder of best practices for helping those whose emotional and mental health are at high risk.
Check-in often
Nothing is worse for one’s mental health than isolation, and it is important to realize that isolation comes in many forms. A friend or co-worker may be sheltering with their family, but feel they have to be strong for others and have no one to lean on. Or they may not feel comfortable voicing business or financial concerns with family.
Reach out and check in with your family, friends, loved ones, and colleagues, even if they appear to be doing fine. In the case of co-workers or employees, send a text that has nothing to do with work, just to let them know you are thinking of them. Make it clear you are there if they need you.
Practice active listening
When you reach out to someone, give them your full and undivided attention. We are all guilty of multi-tasking while talking with someone. Active listening goes beyond hearing someone out. It involves a sincere attempt to understand them. Engage with them and ask open-ended questions to gain more information and clarity. Summarize what you hear to confirm your understanding and demonstrate they have been heard.
It may be tempting, especially if we have a professional relationship with someone, to automatically go into problem-solving mode and try to solve their problems. If they ask for advice, then go for it. However, in most cases, someone going through a rough time simply wants to be heard and seen. Listening and understanding is the primary goal. Be mindful that even the most well-intentioned advice can come across as prescriptive and judgmental if it is not solicited.
Show compassion
Listening is most effective when it is paired with compassion. Put your own opinions on hold for the moment, and try to understand and empathize with someone on their terms. Do not compare what they are going through to your own experiences. It may sound like they are overreacting, but the smallest issues are magnified at such times. Put yourself in their shoes.
Small offers of help can mean the world to them. People struggling with anxiety or depression often find themselves paralyzed and unable to handle even small obligations. Offer to accompany them on an errand or to a doctor’s appointment. Just being with someone in silence may be all they need.
Know when professional help is needed
A friend or colleague can only do so much for someone. Your support may not be enough. If someone struggles for an extended period, encourage them to seek professional help. Do some research and provide them with a list of resources. If you fear someone is in danger of harming themselves, do not hesitate to take immediate action.
Although some speak optimistically of a quick return to normalcy, it is more likely that the pandemic will continue to disrupt our lives for some time. As states loosen restrictions and re-open their economies, there will be additional waves of the virus itself.
The wave of mental health issues is harder to predict. Its effects will persist long after the virus is gone or tamed. Our compassion for friends, family, loved ones, and colleagues will be tested in ways we cannot fully anticipate.
Business leaders have a special responsibility as well as an opportunity during these tough times. Work provides many of us with purpose and structure, both of which have been disrupted by this crisis. We must see our companies and our organizations as part of the community fabric that will hold society together as it heals and recovers from this generational challenge.
This article originally appeared on Forbes.
