The United States Coronavirus outbreak prompted a wave of mental health challenges and telehealth has been the solution.

Providers, everywhere, have leaned on the use of telehealth technology to continue providing care to patients across the country. As in-person visits are limited and physical distancing regulations are enforced, this digital visit alternative made it possible for the healthcare industry to push through record-low patient volumes.

In order to avoid coming into contact with COVID-19, individuals everywhere have started staying home from work, away from crowded places, and away from friends and family. This disruption in the normal day-to-day life led to an increase in anxiousness, fear, and depression for many people.

Why Are Mental Health Concerns Increasing during COVID-19?

As many individuals have been forced to adjust to the new “normal” of the world, an increase of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns have been reported. Some of the common causes for these increases involve the many unknown details that still circulate COVID-19. For example, many are worried about when the pandemic will come to an end, how the US economy will be affected, or when a vaccine or cure will be found. The fact that there is so much that is still unknown, has many feeling anxious about the future.

Others have reported increased feelings of depression as they face social-distancing and quarantine regulations. Having to spend time indoors, with limited social interaction, and away from their normal routine has been difficult for many to adjust to and has led to increased rates of depression.

How is Telehealth Helping to Address Mental Health Concerns?

Even before the pandemic, accessible mental health care was a common concern across the behavioral health community. Telehealth has opened up new windows and avenues for individuals all across the country to receive important mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and after.

All you need to access telehealth services is a computer or mobile device. In 2023, nearly everyone has access to one of these tools, making it possible to access their mental health provider more easily. Especially useful during the pandemic, telehealth ensures that individuals and their providers can continue to communicate without violating social distancing regulations or quarantine protocol.

Via a telehealth visit, clients and providers can work on tools and strategies to help combat anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns just as they would in an in-person session. The difference is, clients are feeling even more comfortable talking to their providers over telehealth as it gives them a chance to feel more comfortable at home.

Other Tips to Manage Mental Health Issues During This Time:

Keep a Consistent Schedule

During a time where so much is unknown and inconsistent, creating your own consistency wherever you can is extremely important. You should try your hardest to go to bed at a responsible hour, wake up at the same time every day, eat meals at your normal time, and do your work to the best of your ability. An increase in life consistency can be great for combating feelings of anxiety and fear and gaining control over your situation.

Stay in Touch with Your Provider

Keeping in touch and communicating with your mental health provider during a pandemic may seem difficult, but it isn’t with telehealth. With a telehealth visit alternative to a traditional in-person visit, you can still get the much-needed attention you need to combat any mental health concerns during COVID-19. Telehealth can be a great asset in staying engaged and learn new skills to cope with both anxiety and depression from your provider.

Connect with Others

Although it is not safe, at the moment, to gather or go out with friends and family, it is still vital for your mental health to stay connected with those who matter to you. Similar to telehealth visits with your provider, try having video calls and hangouts with those in your life who bring you joy. This can help you avoid feelings of isolation.

To learn more about telehealth or how to address mental health concerns during a pandemic, click here.