1/ Q: Are there ways to combat #COVID19's differential impact on #mentalhealth for communities of color?
A: Our hearts go out to each and every one of you right now. We are not experts on everything and cannot solve all problems, but we can offer support.
2/ We believe these resources can open up conversations on mental health and connect people with resources. And give our followers resources to share with their networks, friends, and loved ones. Together, we can elevate a stronger, more supportive message.
3/ 1) A perspective to help us understand the stresses associated with seeking or receiving mental health care from Dr. Jonathan Shephard: theundefeated.com/features/black…
4/ 2) Information to help our understanding of the experience of racism on stress and anxiety: anxiety.org/black-american…
5/ 3) A webinar from the AMA and the Minority Quality Forum with providers discussing their own tried and true strategies: ama-assn.org/delivering-car…
6/ 4) Bohemiam Black Girl Podcast for support and inspiration from therapist Janelle Posey-Green: spreaker.com/show/bohemian-…
1/ Q: Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave.
3/ ➡️ During the Omicron wave from December 2021-February 2022, this estimate increased from 33% to 58%.
➡️ Rates vary a lot by age, ranging from 33.2% for those over age 65 to 75% for those under age 18.
2/ Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system.
3/ Many families w/ young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of 2 years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation had *many* downsides, we can agree that not having to suction snot out of infant noses or clean up norovirus puke was a happy upside.
1/ Q: Are cases peaking? That means it’s all downhill from here, right?
A: Sort of…. Remember that even if cases come down as quickly as they rise, there will be as many cases *after* the peak as before (think area under the curve).
2/ ➡️ And if the downward slope is *slower* than the rise, we will see *more* cases during the decline from a surge.
3/ Burning fast could be a silver lining of super transmissible #Omicron. Cases rose & fell quickly in S. Africa (w/ hospitalizations & deaths still lagging). The UK appears to have turned the Omicron corner. Many US states appear past their peak in cases, w/ regional variation:
Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant & holiday get-togethers is hitting communities & health care w/ FORCE! Testing is in short supply.
3/ Health care is under extreme pressure with surging cases. If you can avoid even one additional contact, you are helping. This is a temporary and urgent request (from a health care provider).