As pandemic year winds down, mental health concerns rising in Minnesota

There's evidence that mental health is worsening during the pandemic, especially in the most vulnerable populations — younger adults, isolated seniors, members of Black and Hispanic communities, and care providers, whether paid or unpaid. But anyone can be vulnerable. Dr. Ken Duckworth, CMO at NAMI, said the effects of widespread mental health issues of all kinds may become the "next wave" of the pandemic. "We had a mental health crisis before the pandemic," Duckworth said. "And the pandemic has just accelerated uncertainty, economic distress. ... Nobody knows when they are going to get [COVID], or if they are going to get it. Human beings don't like that kind of uncertainty. Some do struggle more than others." Thousands of funerals have been canceled or downsized in Minnesota since the start of the pandemic. "That's just a really important ritual and many people have not been able to have that. And the grief process is going to take a lot longer," said Sue Abderholden, ED at NAMI Minnesota. "Telehealth is available. Would I say it's pervasive? I think it's working to become pervasive," said Daniel H. Gillison Jr., CEO of NAMI.