Experts warn of increase in family violence amidst COVID-19
With April being child abuse prevention month and COVID-19 related stay-at-home orders continuing throughout the state, law enforcement agencies and mental health professionals warn that experts nationwide are seeing an increase in child abuse and family violence related cases.
As the statewide quarantine and social distancing orders enter their second month, law enforcement agencies across the nation have reported upticks in the number of family disturbance calls that have resulted in violence; often with deadly consequences.
Recent California incidents that have turned fatal since the State’s stay-at home-orders were implemented include a Redding dinner brawl that ended with the father trying to shoot his son, a man who was arrested after fatally stabbing his 68-year-old mother, and a man who killed himself after fatally shooting his wife and two of his three children.
LEADING THE SCNS HEADLINES:
Body pulled from Sacramento River – Junction City man, 58, ID’d
With no end of the COVID-19 pandemic related stay-at-home orders in sight, and all California schools closed – with many classes shuttered for the remainder of the school year – the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office yesterday addressed the issue with area residents in a social media post.
“As tensions rise in these uncertain times, one of our most vulnerable populations remains in high risk,” the DA’s post explained.
“Children frequently have an outlet or safe space to visit throughout the week, such as, school, friend’s homes, church or another safe adult,” the post continued; saying, “During the Shelter-at-Home orders, these outlets are unavailable.”
So, considering the circumstances surrounding the mandated stay-at-home orders and fear surrounding COVID-19, it is understandable that people are feeling more stressed out than usual.
That is why mental health experts are now urging people to not just to be mindful of their physical health, but to keep tabs on their psychological health as well.
“These are unprecedented times and this is an extreme amount of stress to our entire system,” Katy Adams, CEO of Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare was recently quoted as saying by the Indiana Courier & Press. “Nobody can get through this without having some sort of stress and strain. We all need things we can count on, like routine. No one is immune to enduring stress.”
“Isolation can be difficult”
While staying at home and dealing with prolonged isolation might sound like a vacation for some people, being forced to stay away from others who are used to being outside and around other people can take its toll.
For those dealing with mental health issues, the stay-at-home orders can have an even greater impact.
SEE RELATED:
Menifee officials investigating apparent murder-suicide – 4 dead
“For people who are already struggling with mental health issues, the isolation can be difficult,” Janie Chappell, Deaconess Cross Pointe’s manager for Business Development and Community Services in Indiana recently explained. “Even for those who don’t live with mental illness, isolation can be a struggle, she said.
“We are such social beings that when we have to sit tight like we are now, it’s hard on people. We need that social interaction,” said Chappell.
As speculation about COVID-19 continues to spread and breed fear among citizens, Chappell suggests people use their abundance of free time to take advantage of technology and social media platforms such as FaceTime, Marco Polo, or Skype to stay in touch with friends and loved ones.
“Just seeing the person can make a huge difference,” explained Chappell; saying we should not forget those who might not be able to access the Internet.
“It is really important to reach out to your friends and family, but also with the elderly who might not have that kind of technology,” said Chappell; who also recommends people use their time at home with their families for personal introspection and slowing the pace of their normal lives.
“Try to do those things you like to do such as reading, writing, gardening, meditating or relaxation exercises,” Chappell said; while cautioning people against using alcohol or drugs as a means of coping with their stress.
“It might seem okay now, but it can cause problems later,” she said. “There are ways to get professional health if you are struggling.”
“We are creating a new normal for ourselves”
Experts say stress can show itself in a number of ways, and we all need to monitor our physical and emotional health and be mindful to look for warning signs; which could include sleeplessness, chronic headaches and exhaustion, upset stomach and nausea, feelings of anxiety, or being short-tempered with family or others.
Additionally, the added stress of trying to work from home while dealing with children or others indefinitely stuck in close proximity to each other can cause other issues that may have been simmering just beneath the surface, waiting to burst out.
COVID-19 IN THE NEWS:
Teams deploy to support RivCo care facilities after nurses abandon patients
Death of 25-year-old shows COVID-19 can impact anyone
Doctor tests positive for COVID-19, patients potentially exposed
Supplies and volunteers needed to prepare for COVID-19 “surge”
ShasCo seeking vendors to provide food preparation and delivery during COVID-19
Family of RivCo deputy who died from COVID-19 complications hold onto happy memories
Now more than ever, with our daily routines interrupted, experts say it is vitally important for people to create new routines, with many explaining that right now we are creating a “new normal” for ourselves.
Because of these issues, mental health experts say people should try to slow down and take the time to do “self checkups” and examine how they are doing by asking themselves these simple questions:
- Are you feeling constantly hurried, pressured or hassled?
- Are you finding yourself to be irritable or moody?
- Are you experiencing stomach problems or headaches?
- Is your sleep disrupted? Are you having trouble falling or staying asleep or having stressful dreams?
- Are you drinking too much, smoking too much or overeating?
- Do you feel anxious or sad?
According to experts, people struggling with any or all of these issues should take a “mental health” day to take care of themselves and to take the time to ease their own stress.
Other suggestions include:
- Eat healthy and exercise
- Use your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) if your company offers this or contact a therapist to schedule an appointment via telehealth
- Stay organized and stick to a schedule
- Continue to attend recovery meetings via online
- Ask for help; you can’t do this alone
- Take time daily for relaxation and meditation
- Take a day off to be unplugged from all things work/COVID-19.
If you or someone you know find themselves struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.
This article sponsored by:
For more information about Junior’s Westside Auto Sales visit them on Facebook or online.
Spectrum O & P is a leader in providing exceptional quality prosthetic and orthotic products throughout Northern California & Southern Oregon. They are committed to giving each patient personalized and attentive care, understanding that their needs are unique and they deserve our best!
Spectrum O & P’s desire is that everyone should feel comfortable knowing their goal is to tailor every product to meet each person’s specific goals while using the highest quality orthotics & prosthetics and best technology available.
To learn more about Spectrum Prosthetic and Orthotics’ services, make sure to visit them online or on Facebook.
Contact the writer: [email protected]
Trevor Montgomery, 48, moved in 2017 to the Intermountain area of Shasta County from Riverside County and runs Riverside County News Source and Shasta County News Source. Additionally, he writes or has written for several other news organizations; including Riverside County based newspapers, Valley News, (the now defunct) Valley Chronicle, Anza Valley Outlook, and Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle; as well as Bonsall/Fallbrook Village News in San Diego County and Mountain Echo in Shasta County.
Trevor spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg, breaking his back, and suffering both spinal cord and brain injuries in an off-duty accident. (Click here to see segment of Discovery Channel documentary of Trevor’s accident.)
During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations; including Robert Presley Detention Center, Southwest Station in Temecula, Hemet/Valle Vista Station, Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center, and Lake Elsinore Station; along with other locations.
Trevor’s assignments included Corrections, Patrol, DUI Enforcement, Boat and Personal Water-Craft based Lake Patrol, Off-Road Vehicle Enforcement, Problem Oriented Policing Team, and Personnel/Background Investigations. He finished his career while working as a Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Investigator and was a court-designated expert in child abuse and child sex-related crimes.
Trevor has been married for more than 29 years and was a foster parent to more than 60 children over 13 years. He is now an adoptive parent and his “fluid family” includes 13 children and 16 grandchildren.
Pingback: Governor allows food vendors at all 86 State rest areas as COVID-19 crisis continues – Riverside County News Source