Queens Conversations: COVID and the Mental Health Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the physical well-being of our community. We have responded by dedicating vast resources to fighting this virus and saving lives. Unfortunately, we have not been able to pay the same amount of attention to the damage done to our population's mental well-being. Isolation, fear, and frustration can create stress and disruption for individuals on an unprecedented level. Mental health issues develop as a result or exacerbated for those already suffering. Transitional Services for New York (TSINY) has been assisting people along the road to recovery from mental disabilities since 1975. This program features its CEO, Dr. Larry Grubler, who discusses the pandemic's impact on public mental health and how organizations like his are responding.