Loraine Morales, a 23-year-old philosophy major, spoke about her own mental health in an effort to help others. (Photo by Kristin Rodin)
By Kristin Rodin – JOUR 3312 student contributor
Mental health professionals continue to adjust their services for the Lubbock community in 2021 after facing difficulties from COVID-19.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, people have continued to struggle with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and experts have faced challenges providing adequate resources and support.
Ronda Eade, a licensed professional counselor, said she’s seen a big influx in inquiries for her mental health services during the pandemic, having to refer out six calls during the first week of February. The lack of human contact, Eade said, is a specific factor that has worsened mental health during this time.
“Until we see some pretty big turnaround in numbers and relaxation of the safety measures that are in place,” Eade said, “at this point, I think we’re just going to see more anxiety and depression.”
Ronda Eades, a licensed professional counselor, spoke about mental health and the lack of human contact during the pandemic. (Photo by Kristin Rodin)
According to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than one in three adults in the U.S. have reported symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic.
The CDC study reports that in late June 2020, about 40% of U.S. adults reported dealing with substance abuse and/or mental health issues, while 10% of the same respondents reported “seriously considered suicide” within 30 days prior to participating in the research.
Nikki Hune, affiliate leader for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Lubbock, said in a phone interview the organization was adjusting their mental health services in the area when the pandemic began. Hune said NAMI Lubbock continues to offer their mental health services and support groups through virtual means.
While experts have faced challenges providing support, students like Loraine Morales said the pandemic only worsened their pre-existing mental health struggles.
The 23-year-old philosophy major sat quietly in the corner of J&B Coffee, located at 2701 26th St. Easy to spot, Morales sat in the dim room–her short, purple hair and any one of her 17 tattoos peeking out at the masked world.
Morales shows off a tattoo which has a deep connection with her mental health journey. (Photo by Kristin Rodin)
Morales said she first became aware of her depression freshman year of high school, but her mental health began to decline in spring 2019.
“I thought over the summer,” Morales said, pausing, “I thought it’d get better, but it just kept getting worse. Then the fall came, and at that point, I couldn’t even go to my classes.”
Morales said she dropped out of Texas Tech University in fall 2019 and sought mental health services with the help of her supportive mother soon after. Six months into therapy, Morales said she made improvements in her mental health. Then COVID-19 hit.
“At the beginning of the pandemic, my anxiety was actually so bad I had to get my meds changed, and I not only had my meds changed, I took an entire month off of work because I just had such horrible anxiety I could not go outside,” Morales said. “I couldn’t do it to myself.”
Most of her therapy appointments are still online, and Morales said internet and technology complications have made it difficult to interact with her mental health professionals in the way she would like.
Still, life continues.
Nearly a year after dropping out of college and seeking mental health services, Morales said she’s happy to return to Texas Tech this semester to complete her degree with the support of her mother and friends.
At the end of the day, Morales said she wants people to be aware they can reach out and get help if they need it, even if it’s just through a friend.
“I literally wanted to kill myself. I self-harmed. I’ve made it to a point where, I don’t know if I can say that I’m happy, but I’m surviving and trying to find my happiness,” Morales said, “and I think I’m a good example, that it’s possible to keep going.”
For those dealing with suicidal ideation, please contact the Suicide Prevention Line at (800)273-8255 or by visiting the link in the story. For immediate help, please do not hesitate to call 911 or visit a local medical facility.
About lucindaholt
