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Pandemic worsening mental health problems

News-Topic - 10/29/2020

People with mental health problems are suffering more because of the pandemic, and they are arriving at the new psychiatric hospital in Lenoir sicker than hospital officials expected, a hospital leader said.

The isolation, the decline in jobs, and the fear of contracting the virus are deeply affecting patients and staff at Jonas Hill Hospital and Clinic, which opened this summer, said Rebecca Smith, Caldwell UNC Health Care's vice president and chief operating officer. Smith said she suspects some people may be reluctant to seek care during the pandemic, while others lost their jobs and employer-provided accompanying health insurance and therefore cannot afford it.

"And we do know that the patients that are coming in, just like in the acute care side, they're sicker because they haven't sought care. Maybe the care wasn't available to them," Smith said.

Still, Jonas Hill has adapted, Smith said.

Any patient admitted to the hospital must be tested for COVID-19 and cannot come to the hospital if they test positive "because we cannot take and care for someone who is COVID-positive here," Smith said.

Jonas Hill is able to hold virtual court hearings for patients who have been involuntarily committed for mental health evaluation.

"All patients who are involuntarily committed have a right to court proceedings. That just ensures that their rights are being adhered to. We would normally have that here at Jonas Hill in person, but because of COVID-19, we're conducting virtual court hearings," she said.

For some patients, stress from the pandemic exacerbated their mental illness.

"For example, someone may not feel comfortable and safe going out and seeking a job right now. So they don't have a job, they don't have income, it makes them feel less valued, it affects their self-esteem," while others might be juggling a job and online schooling for their children, Smith said.

On Monday, there were about 15 patients at Jonas Hill, and the number had dropped by about half the next day, Smith said.

Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 828-610-8721.

Reporter Kara Fohner can be reached at 828-610-8721.

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