Episode 26: COVID-19 and Mental Health: No Easy Answers

George Dawson (@dawso007), MD, addiction and neuropsychiatrist in Minnesota, joins Chadi to discuss mental illness and COVID – of having the virus itself, as well as the result of isolation and lack of social interaction. Dr. Dawson shares how individuals with drug or alcohol addictions have struggled to stay sober while being stuck at home without in-person meetings and human interaction, whether there is reason to believe the COVID lockdowns and social restrictions have worse health ramifications than the disease itself (eg, suicide rates), burnout and other negative effects pervading the health care provider workforce, and how fluctuating school schedules may be negatively impacting the mental health of children.