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May 19, 2020
In any catastrophe, the medical needs must be tended first, followed by a wave of behavioral health issues that can last for months and years. The COVID-19 infection rate peaked in Connecticut at the end of April and now the Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is preparing for increased demand…
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May 19, 2020
A team of 20 staff members at the Institute of Living met in the parking lot May 15 and festooned their vehicles with balloons, streamers and messages of support for patients in their Child & Adolescent Day Program and Extended Day Program. A parade was in the works. “Depression and…
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May 18, 2020
Ongoing stresses related to the COVID-19 pandemic – financial constraints, unemployment and isolation – have caused a national spike in suicide. Patricia Rehmer, MSN, ACHE, president of the Behavioral Health Network and senior vice president of Hartford HealthCare (HHC), said national sources estimate up to 75,000 people will die by…
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May 14, 2020
While parents often feel like broken records, constantly repeating safety reminders and directions on an endless loop, pandemic parents of teenagers need to be prepared to keep that theme moving as the world starts to reopen around us and the kids want out. “We, as adults, know to go slow…
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May 13, 2020
Everyone seems focused on the light at the end of this COVID-19 tunnel and getting back to “normal” once the pandemic eases, but is that what we should want – what was normal to us – or is there something else? Maybe you’ve mentally penned a list of things you…
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May 12, 2020
Children and adolescents are not immune to the stress stirred up by the COVID-19 pandemic, as disrupted schedules and separation from friends and activities leaves many of them feeling anxious and fearful. Dr. Ari Steinberg, clinical supervisor of ambulatory services at the Institute of Living (IOL), part of Hartford HealthCare’s…
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May 11, 2020
Cheech & Chong aside, commentary published by a Hartford HealthCare researcher declares that teen marijuana use may not affect one’s IQ as is generally assumed. Dr. Godfrey Pearlson, director of the Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center and research director at the Institute of Living, part of Hartford HealthCare, was the single…
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May 07, 2020
Work for those battling on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic as never been more challenging, which only increases the chances of burnout. Employers can put various tactics and protocols in place, and organize help for teams, but workers should also be vigilant for early signs their job is causing…
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May 06, 2020
For some, following stay-at-home recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic is torture. For others, it is bliss. But for an increasing number of people, it is downright dangerous. Patricia Rehmer, Vice President of behavioral health for Hartford HealthCare, said the incidence of domestic violence in Connecticut have risen more than 20…
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May 04, 2020
Few people really seem themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic as we juggle new schedules, isolate ourselves and, for essential workers, face spirit-crushing realities as many help others gravely ill with the virus. But, besides other responsibilities you may be juggling right now, being mindful of the behavioral health state of…