SBAR Project

Situation: The coronavirus pandemic is pushing America into a mental health crisis! With the current pandemic at hand anxiety and depression is on the rise and spreading fast. “Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, the country is on the verge of another health crisis, with daily doses of death, isolation and fear generating widespread psychological trauma” (Wan). The U.S. is not prepared to take on the mental health crisis that faces us today. Many facilities that focus on mental health are struggling to get their companies online to reach the people who need the help. The cost, and licensing, along with the lack of federal funding and reimbursement from the government is a huge concern in providing the care needed by society today. “Community behavioral health centers — which treat populations most at risk — are struggling to stay financially solvent and have begun closing programs” (Wan). This is a rising concern as suicide rates and overdoses have already begun increasing since the pandemic began. Mental health problems can affect anyone, it doesn’t matter who you are. The risk is increasing especially in those who work the front lines; this includes health care workers, grocery clerks, and delivery people. “The suicides of two New York health-care workers highlight the risks, especially to those combating the pandemic. Lorna Breen, a top New York emergency room doctor, had spent weeks contending with coronavirus patients flooding her hospital […] She had no history of mental illness, her relatives have said in interviews, but struggled increasingly with the emotional weight of the outbreak before she died. Days later, reports emerged that a Bronx emergency medical technician also killed himself” (Wan). The impact of mental health problems is a challenge that needs to be faced more now than ever.

Background: As history shows along with any great depression comes economic change, and mental health problems rise dramatically. “Before the pandemic, doctors and nurses were already acutely prone to burnout, research shows, because of the workload, pressure, chaos and increasingly dysfunctional health-care system” (Wan). Prior to the coronavirus pandemic depression and anxiety has been spreading across our nation. Hospital's and mental health programs are underfunded and have been difficult to access before this pandemic began. “Researchers have created models — based on data collected after natural disasters, terrorist attacks and economic downturns — that show a likely increase in suicides, overdose deaths and substance use disorders” (Wan). The impact mental health has on society is astounding. Mental health correlates to the workplace, as stress and anxiety can debilitate some workers. With the increase of emergency room visits for panic attacks, depression and overdoses further strain is put on our medical systems. “In the United States, 1 in 5 adults endure the consequences of mental illness each year. Yet less than half receive treatment, federal statistics show. As suicide rates have fallen around the world, the rate in the United States has climbed every year since 1999, increasing 33 percent in the past two decades” (Wan). Our nation has been struggling with mental health problems for years, yet nothing is being done to prepare for the coming wave of mental health and behavioral problems.

Assessment: Mental health groups have worked together to write a letter to the trump administration asking for help and funding for the upcoming mental health crisis. In this letter they also asked for a lift on reimbursement restrictions that have previously prevented mental health care providers from providing therapy or counseling over the phone. A letter to congress was also sent in April of 2020 in order to inquire funding from the federal government. “While Congress recently authorized $100 billion in emergency funds for hospitals and medical providers, very little will go to mental health and addiction service providers because they mainly receive funding through Medicaid. And most of the emergency provider money is being distributed through Medicare” (Wan). On a positive note the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has created a hotline where people can text if they are in emotional distress rather than having to speak on the phone. This is helpful in breaking the barrier of technology especially among the younger population that may feel more comfortable texting about their feelings rather than speaking about them. This rise in telehealth could benefit the interventions taken to help people with mental health problems for years to come. Mental health problems that are diagnosed correctly can be controlled and monitored with the use of medications and counseling. The drugs used to help control mental health problems include antidepressants, anti-anxiety, antipsychotic, mood stabilizing and stimulant medications.

Recommendations: Suicide is preventable. It has been proven time and time again that intervention can make a huge impact on suicide rates. With the combination of counseling and medication therapy mental health problems can be controlled and monitored. The use of accurate mental health screenings during regular physician's visits can help with the intervention and education involved with patients in emotional distress. Knowing the signs and being aware of the behaviors that may constitute mental health problems is a huge factor involved in suicide prevention. I believe that the federal government is not doing enough to advocate for mental health awareness. The U.S. is not prepared for the crisis at hand or what is about to come. There needs to be more funding and time taken to understand the impact mental health problems can have on our economy and nation.