Psychologist sees signs of fear and anger during lockdown

As stay at home orders persist, and nearly every aspect of daily life is impacted in some way, it is no surprise that mental health problems are increasing across the country due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Kaiser Family Foundation notes that significantly higher shares of people who were sheltering in place (47 percent) reported negative mental health effects resulting from worry or stress related to coronavirus than among those not sheltering in place (37 percent).

Research also shows that job loss is associated with increased depression, anxiety, distress and low self-esteem and may lead to higher rates of substance use disorder and suicide. Walla Walla County achieved a peak of 12.2 percent unemployment this April.

Dr. Antoinette McPherson-Charles is a therapist who specializes in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she works at the Jonathan M. Wainwright Veterans Administration hospital in Walla Walla and also has a private practice.

Charles last wrote for the Times in April where she recommended maintaining routines, connecting with others and reaching out for help if you are struggling. I spoke with Charles recently to check in and to see if she is noting any trends in how people are coping with our pandemic reality.

"The people who are not doing well with lockdown seem to be driven either by fear and it becomes super isolative and it just kind of spills over into every aspect of their life. They don't even want to go outside because they are fearful that someone will walk by and cough," she said.

"And then there are the ones who are driven by anger and whether that's anger because they feel they are being restricted, or their rights are being taken away- they just get so angry that they just get stuck and kind of implode on themselves," she continued.

Charles also notes that instances of domestic violence have gone up. "You take people that have problems anyway, put them in the same home, with no outlet, and throw in substance abuse and all of a sudden there is a lot more battery."

Adapting to telehealth has been both a challenge and a blessing to Charles and her clients. "The older ones get very frustrated by the technology or intimidated by the technology. Some of them don't even have computers and they are very isolated and resistant towards any Zoom meetings."

"The younger ones are more open to it and some of them are actually enjoying it. There is some research that teletherapy in mental health is one of the few branches in medicine where it actually gives better results, because some people feel more relaxed at home, there's less barriers, they feel safer in self-disclosing. And, as a therapist, you can see their element (their home) which gives you a lot of information that you wouldn't have typically."

For clients who can only connect via telephone due to a lack of internet or the necessary bandwidth for video, Charles says she struggles at times during emotional moments during a treatment session. "When they are quiet, are they crying? Are they zoning out? Are they pensive? It's really flying blind doing therapy like that sometimes," she says.

Her clients with PTSD have provided the most challenge and reward during this time. "The ones (clients) that are not making the appointments are so isolated and their symptoms are getting worse, a lot of them. But in some ways, it's been a blessing, we've been able to get some of my intensive patients into long term care solutions."

"COVID has made them get to the point where they are so overwhelmed where they are asking for help." Charles has successfully had four of her clients admitted to a substance abuse and trauma residential treatment center in Arizona recently.

Charles find the people that are doing well during COVID-19, are "the ones that are finding ways to connect even though there is social distancing. They are finding ways to accept things they can't change." She encourages people to continue to be creative in the ways that you reach out to others, with a FaceTime call, a letter or just an email. She also recommends being mindful and to focus on the positive.

She also encourages those who are struggling to pursue their options. Telehealth opportunities are increasing, and the cost is being accepted more by insurance companies.

There are also smart phone apps that can help, too. Charles is partial to the one used at the VA, called COVID Coach which includes tools for self-care, trackers to check your mood, tips on relationships, stress management and even parenting issues. The app is free.

As for Charles? She is getting out and appreciating the beauty of the roses in her garden and feeling grateful for her strong family and faith connections.

Antoinette McPherson-Charles, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience. She received her doctorate from Notre Dame University and specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety and family issues. She may be contacted at (305) 923-9650 or via email at; amcphersoncharles@gmail.com.