DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Covid-19 isn’t just a physical illness, it’s taking a toll on many residents mentally.
Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary told Channel 2′s Sophia Choi that he feels it.
“People are scared from a mental health standpoint, you know?” Lary said. “I’m one of them.”
DeKalb County leaders believe 40-50 percent of residents are suffering from anxiety and depression due to the virus.
“It is a hidden crisis unfortunately, and many of our citizens don’t know where to turn to or who to ask for help” CEO Michael Thurmond said.
[RELATED: Special section on coronavirus in Georgia]
So they county is now using nearly 3 million of Federal Cares Act Funding to provide free tele-health services with crisis professionals.
DeKalb’s Community Service Board estimates the county will see a 28 percent increase in opioid drug-related deaths, a 24 percent increase in other drug related deaths and an 11.68 percent increase in suicides.
Renee Dryfoos is helping to lead the effort with the Community Service Board. She says they’re already seeing an increase in calls for help.
She told Choi the county will also hire more professionals to meet police on calls, where mental health is an issue.
“To help people from jails and prisons, things like that from being arrested. Addressing mental health issues right then and there,” said Dryfoos.
Mayor Lary says many people feel isolated because they are unable to visit friends and many times, even family members. He also notes traditional sources of support like Churches are still shut down in many communities.
“Church is a big part of our life here. And we have not been able to congregate like that and soothe people in their anxiety right now. Church does a lot for that,” Lary said.
Cox Media Group
