Behavioral health needs related to the Covid-19 crisis are quickly becoming a large-scale public health crisis.
How Covid-19 will impact behavioral health services
A recent report estimated that as many as 75,000 more Americans will die from deaths of despair (from alcohol, drugs, or suicide) due to the effects of Covid-19. And up to 80% of Americans are reporting moderate to high levels of distress due to Covid-19. While the national dialogue around mental well-being is more active now than ever before, stigma remains a barrier for patients and clinicians to seek treatment.
As part of managing the human and emotional complexity of this moment, one of the most important things health system leaders can do right now is talk about available resources and take every opportunity to encourage mental well-being for the next few months.
But talking about behavioral health is hard, and the words we use affect the message. Think about it. A person "commits" a crime or a sin. But a person "dies" from cancer. There's a difference. So let's take a look at how to use sensitive and respectful language that emphasizes the person, not the condition or disability.
Covid-19 is rapidly increasing the need for behavioral health services. But there are significant gaps and barriers that stand in the way of people getting the help they need.
Read our take on your highest-priority behavioral health moves amid Covid-19 crisis.
Create your free account to access 2 resources each month, including the latest research and webinars.
You have 2 free members-only resources remaining this month remaining this month.
1 free members-only resources remaining this month
1 free members-only resources remaining this month
You've reached your limit of free monthly insights
Never miss out on the latest innovative health care content tailored to you.
You've reached your limit of free monthly insights