The pandemic is exacerbating mental health issues in the community.

The Onondaga County Health Department reported a 23% climb in fatal overdoses last year, and many people are dealing with anxiety and depression. There are resources, like ACR Health, that can help with addiction and mental health disorders.


What You Need To Know

  • Fatal overdoses rose 23% in Onondaga County in 2020, according to the health department

  • Young people are struggling with anxiety and depression at a higher rate than other ages, according to Mental Health America

  • During the pandemic about 40% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder, up from 10% in 2019, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation

  • Organizations, like ACR Health, have knowledge of and access to services in our community and can help connect you

Even though things are opening back up, the damage from the pandemic has been done, said Derek English, the care management services director at ACR Health. His clients’ anxiety and depression has worsened over the last six months, because the isolation of lockdown coupled with winter weather. Addiction and substance use are often intertwined with mental health disorders.

Overdose deaths are up, and many people who were sober have relapsed since the pandemic began, because group therapy was canceled.

“My clients felt very isolated during this, and therapy appointments, not only are they good for mental health, but it’s also good to get back into the community,” said English. “It’s good to see people face to face.”

People dealing with mental health or addiction disorders come in all shapes and sizes. Many people just want to be heard, he said, so one of the best things to do is listen.

When someone comes to you, ask if they’re looking for advice or ask if they just want an ear, he said.

“Everybody has their own struggles sometimes, so do the best we can to support each other, especially while we wait for services to fully open back up,” said English. “Sometimes a phone call to a struggling family member may be the difference between life and death.”

English has his own mental health issues, and he wants people to know so it helps eliminate the stigma. Treatment has made him a better person, he said.

If you are looking for professional support, places like ACR health can be a good place to turn. They know about the resources in the community and can help connect you with the appropriate people. For support, you can call 315-475-2430.