MyView: Changes of COVID-19 Part 1

This post will the first in a series of blogs I write entitled MyView™. With the challenges of COVID thrust upon us for over a year now, many things have changed.

As a Family Practitioner at Inspired Health Group, I want to describe what I have seen happen in our patient’s well being and health as it relates to the topic of relationships. When I speak of relationships, it’s our capacity to optimize our connections to our family, friends, peers, with openness, appreciation, and support.

Over this past year one of the predominant themes has been staying safe for yourself and those around you. With the various methods we have all employed to fulfill the mandate of staying safe, the underlying question has now become at what cost.

For those whom I have witnessed first hand the loss of not seeing family and friends for months has accelerated rates of anxiety and depression. In addition, addiction and suicide has also increased in our practice. This is not an uncommon reality across the country as has also been reported in many of our leading medical journals.

This is not a judgement on how things have been addressed over the past year, but rather to not lose sight of other ramifications manifested by isolation and lack of connectivity. As human beings, no matter what age we are, it has become evident that we need to be connected. Following the science has a much broader meaning than following statistics related to infection rates, hospitalizations, and deaths. The more revealing science will eventually tell us the gamut of effects in the populace. From school aged children who have missed their first scheduled school day and unable to socialize with peers to the aged who haven’t had an opportunity for an in person conversation or even a hug. These are the dynamics that will play out for years and possibly generations to come.

My professional relationship view is to reaffirm that we were never meant to be alone or disconnected, but rather together and connected! The significance of optimizing our relationships will be one of a number of new statistics in the future.

- Dr. Rob Erickson, DO

You are not alone. Connect with caring professional & community services:

Behavioral/Mental Health/Addiction Support 

• Endeavor Health (formerly Mid-Erie Behavioral Health) : 716-895-6700
• HOPE Treatment & Counseling Center:  716-895-6701

Glory Center Pastoral Care

• The Glory Center: 716-662-7008

Problem Gambling & Addiction Hotline

• New York State HOPEline:
• Call: 1-877-8-HOPENY
• Text: 467369

Suicide Prevention 

• Erie County Crisis Services: 716-834-3131
• National Suicide Crisis Services Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

You can find more services on our Community Resources Page.