South Florida mental health counselors and law enforcement leaders are preparing for an intense burst of calls related to mental health emergencies.
While businesses call COVID-19′s effects an economic tsunami, experts fear the repercussions also will include a mental health meltdown unlike anything the country has ever experienced.
Seniors have lost retirement savings. People in multiple sectors have lost jobs and income. Domestic violence and child abuse have escalated. And bosses have grappled with heart-wrenching decisions about closing businesses permanently.
Calls to the 211 helpline in Broward County related to mental health increased 118% from March to April and suicide-related calls increased 86%.