Impact of coronavirus on mental health

COVID-19

Featured Video Play IconPeople hold a lighted sign and wave from the parking lot of Integris Baptist Medical Center during a “Headlights for Hope” event Thursday, April 9, 2020, in Oklahoma City, in a show of support for healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

The numbers are still rising. Close to two million people have been infected with the coronavirus around the world and almost 120,000 people have died.

But the number of infections is slowing down. Italy,the epicenter of the pandemic last month, is starting to ease restrictions, along with Spain, another country which saw more than 17,000 deaths. Here in America, states including New York, are discussing the relaxation of the social distancing guidelines.  

The forced isolation, considered crucial to stopping the virus, along with high unemployment and shut down businesses, is bringing the U.S. economy to a grinding halt but also causing mental health issues. We spoke with therapist Kathryn Smerling and asked about the psychological effect of quarantine.

To Discuss:

  • Dr. Sten Vermund is an epidemiologist and Dean of Yale’s School of Public Health
  • Sery Kim is an attorney and a former senior adviser in the Trump administration
  • Joseph Williams is the senior news editor for U.S. News and World Report

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