Two years into the pandemic, local therapists are still seeing a mental health ripple effect

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the U.S.; this May also marks just over two years since the pandemic upended life for people across the country. 

Heidi Barrett-McNerney is a licensed clinical social worker and a behavioral health therapist at the Kodiak Community Health Center. She said local therapists are still seeing a pandemic ripple effect.

“We’re coming out of the pandemic and into the endemic stage and I think for a lot of people this is causing a lot of confusion, and anxiety and depression,” said Barrett-McNerney. “People are trying to figure out, ‘how do I move forward?’”

Barrett-McNerney said it helps to talk about things – even if it’s with friends and family.

“It helps to talk about things, and it helps to know we’re connected and we’re supported,” she said.

She spoke with KMXT’s Kirsten Dobroth about what that support system – and mental health awareness – means for the Kodiak Island community.