Thurstone talks mental health in the days of COVID-19 with 9News

Today, KUSA 9News in Denver helped advance the mission of Mental Health Awareness Month with a panel discussion examining things to consider about mental health during in these days of the coronavirus known as COVID-19. I am honored to have been invited to participate.

You can watch the discussion here.

We now need to work diligently to flatten the curve of mental health problems that are emerging during our efforts to fight COVID-19. Mental health problems can be lifelong and chronic. Colorado now faces a perfect mental healthcare storm. The state is reporting that 23 percent of Coloradans are now in a depressive episode — a tripling of the normal baseline of 7 percent. Alcohol and marijuana sales have increased significantly. Gun sales have, too. And as if that’s not enough, Colorado lawmakers are considering a proposal that would cut about $200 million from the state’s mental healthcare — so please consider speaking with your elected officials about that.

During today’s broadcast, I also shared an acronym I came up with to help me think differently COVID. I want to make sure you see that and this list of resources you may find helpful, too.