Health Talk Live: COVID-19 and the Rise in Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Problems

With increased isolation during the surge in COVID-19 and with many missing out on some of the healthier outlets they enjoy to relieve stress and anxiety, health care providers are seeing an increase in behavioral health and substance abuse issues that can lead to short and long-term problems for your emotional and physical health.

In this segment of TriHealth’s Health Talk Live, Local 12’s Liz Bonis speaks with TriHealth Chief Medical Officer Kevin Joseph, an emergency medicine specialist. Dr. Joseph talks about evidence being seen by emergency and primary care providers of an increase in behavioral health and substance abuse issues attributed to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He answers questions about the impact on the opioid crisis and an increase of drug and alcohol abuse and the correlating concerns including long-term risk for disease and the potential for an increase in domestic violence. He also talks about some of the coping mechanisms and resources for support and relief of stress and anxiety, such as those offered through employer assistance programs, and stresses the importance of seeking help if you have concerns over your wellbeing.

Have a question for future segments of Health Talk Live? You can share them with Liz via her Facebook page or email.