With the added stressors from COVID-19 and the recent events overseas, Dr. Zachary Keller said people’s support systems are taking the biggest hit.

“The biggest thing is that it really screws with people’s support systems. obviously, with COVID and how it’s continuing to be a problem and some of the stuff overseas, it just heightens everyone’s anxieties and that just corresponds to a decline in people’s mental health,” said Dr. Zachary Keller, a psychiatrist at CHI Health.

He said one of the quickest and best ways to manage that stress at home, is through self care.

“Whether that be daily exercise, meeting with people, obviously maintaining a healthy diet and things of that nature. Those are probably going to be the quickest and easiest ways.”

The CHI Health clinic offers both outpatient programs and inpatient hospitalizations. With covid protocols, Keller said it has made those hospitalized feel even more isolated.

“We weren’t allowed to socialize in the hallways or in the meal u and things like that, and that really contributes to that isolation factor," he said.

Isolation is one of the biggest signs of depression and depression can lead to suicidal thoughts. Keller emphasizes the importance of knowing the signs.

“The biggest risk for suicide is previous history of suicide, so anybody who’s had those thoughts, feelings, or they have attempted. That should always be on people’s radar," stated Keller.

Other signs include self isolation, changes in behavior, and anhedonia, which is no longer finding joy in things that people used to like to do. Keller said that if these feelings and actions continue, it may be time to ask for help.

“If that’s a consistent pattern and that’s continuing to trend in the downward direction then it’s probably time to reach out to somebody," he said.

Keller said that if you feel a family member or friend may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, communication is key.

“All too often we get really squirmy when we talk to people about their own personal health. communicating those things openly and honestly, as a parent, as a child, as a spouse, whomever, will only just continue to improve relationships and you’ll pick up on those things a lot sooner,” said Keller.

Dr. Keller said professional help should be consulted if someone has a plan and intends to carry it out.

He added that mental health should not be shameful to talk about and that simply asking someone how they are doing can make a difference.