I think this Covid nightmare is having a disastrous effect

[leftyladyfrommo]

on the homebound mentally ill.

I eat at Perkins in the morning. It's been closed and sanitized all night and there are maybe 3 other people abd we sit 30 feet from each other.

One man who is always there was in a horrible accident -his car got hit by a train- and he is mentally really off. But he has gotten so much worse.

He talks to himself all the time now. He has no filter and says the strangest things. He tries to yell and talk to other people and it is really annoying but he can't help it.

He has gotten so much worse. He spends his time watching The Twighlight Zone. I don't think that helps.

It's really sad. And I am sure he is not alone.

[exboyfil]

1. They have reduced my daughters patient load

because of Covid so I wonder where these patients are ending up (she is a mental health charge nurse in a hospital).

Her job is actually in some danger since it is hard to justify on a cost vs. revenue basis. Her job is a critical component of our state's mental health approach (which leaves much to be desired). I don't know what happens if hospitals like hers no longer has such a unit.

[Hugin]

2. I know it's taking it's toll on me.

Also, on others I've talked with about things.

[leftyladyfrommo]

3. I know that there is little help for the mentally ill

here in KCMO. They just have to try and make it on their own.

[Pobeka]

4. It's a little thing, but I always say "hi" and smile at everyone when I'm out for my walk.

Not only does it brighten my day a little, but that might be the only human connection someone has that day, even if it's just a moment of the day.

[leftyladyfrommo]

5. That's absolutely true. The reason I go to

Perkins is just so I can have some contact with real people even if it's just for a little while and from a distance.

Fortunately I have my dogs to talk to. That helps a lot.

[panader0]

6. It's when the dogs start talking back that you should begin to worry. (kidding)

The mental health repercussions from the virus are bad and will get worse.
Many people don't handle being alone very well. People of all ages are affected.
Hang in there, things will get better. Next time at Perkins, take the old man a small
harmless gift, draw a smile on your mask. It's the solstice and the days are going
to get longer. The new administration is less than a month away!