As we approach the 8th month of the COVID-19 Pandemic it’s safe to say that the lingering effects on society will be disruptive and long-lasting. People are under more stress with fewer outlets than ever before. School, work, social life, healthcare have all been severely impacted/changed over the past 8 months. It’s challenging to wake up each day under a constant barrage of contradicting, confusing, and questionable information. If you are feeling anxious, even for the first time, you are not alone. According to Next Avenue “There’s a good chance even if you’ve never experienced serious mental health issues, such as significant anxiety or depression, or something like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you could now be having some symptoms.” As the crisis continues to impact the mental state of many Americans, the resources/agencies that traditionally help those affected with mental health issues are being stretched thin and dealing with budget issues as tax revenues drop, and State and Federal funding dry up.
“The explosive spread of the novel coronavirus underscores the importance of transforming mental health care in the United States and redressing the structural inequities baked into the psychiatric establishment and mental health policy. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, people with mental health disabilities faced numerous barriers in accessing competent, affordable, and culturally affirming care; this crisis has merely exacerbated these inequities.” The Center for American Progress
Across the United States, some crimes are down as people spend more time at home, which is great news. However, other crimes could be increasing such as domestic and child abuse during the pandemic. Factors such as PTSD, increased time being spent inside with the same family members, and increased alcohol use are potentially all factors in increased conflicts within the home. According to WebMD “Data from a major Massachusetts hospital found a significant year-over-year jump in intimate partner violence cases among patients -- nearly all women -- who sought emergency care during the COVID-19 pandemic's first few weeks.”
Additionally, the FBI released the below information in June 2020:
Here are crimes that seem to be growing as we settle into the third month of social distancing:
- Civil disobedience in the face of state and city restrictions
- Package theft
- Speeding
- Surges in the opioid epidemic
- Assault on medical workers and law enforcement (usually through coughing, spitting, or sneezing)
Crimes that continue to be problematic during the pandemic:
- Burglary of commercial businesses left vacant
- Domestic and family violence
- Hate crimes (especially against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders)
- Vehicle theft
- Financial scams
- Price gouging
In the security industry, we have noticed the additional strains our clients are under. Our services do offer peace of mind, however, nothing we do at Tasco Security can take the place of mental healthcare. We urge all anyone suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder or any other mental health disorder to contact your local resource for help.
Local mental health resources for Vermont can be found here:
