Originally published on Spectrum News1 – In Focus – February 1, 2021

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In this week’s In Focus: SoCal, ​host Tanya McRae takes a look at the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Californians begin to get vaccinated.

McRae spoke to Dr. Jonathan Sherin, the director of Los Angeles County’s Mental Health Department, about the different challenges that residents are having 10 months into the pandemic. The County’s DMH has a 24/7 hotline for emergencies that is available to the public, as well as front-line providers and veterans. Dr. Sherin also explains the science behind “Zoom fatigue,” a new phenomenon he said he experiences while using multiple video platforms seven days a week.

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger also joins the conversation and opens up about how the pandemic has impacted her, and how she’s staying active. She discusses the work that still needs to be done in the county to help the underserved population and the unhoused. Barger encourages residents to take advantage of a free subscription to Headspace, the mindfulness and medication app.

McRae also spoke with one UC Chico student who is receiving therapy from Venice Family Clinic after the pandemic forced her to move back home.