Portland, OR - March 17, 2020
 
Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended social distancing to slow the spread of infection.  Oregonians will spend more time at home as a result which can have negative consequences on mental health.  Mental health experts are providing information about how to combat feelings of isolation with social distancing precautions.
 
“Isolation is generally not good for your mental health,“ says Dr. Dan Bristow, M.D., President of the Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association.  Bristow adds, “There are ways you can feel less isolated and stay socially supported during these uncertain times.”  Bristow offers the following tips during times of social distancing.
 
1.     Try to keep a regular routine as much as possible.  While your routine will be different compared to before, you can still set a routine that keeps your day organized and focused.  Have a regular schedule for work or study.  Take breaks and eat meals at regular times.  Try to maintain the same sleep schedule.  Consistency helps structure your day and gets you acclimated to the new routine quicker.
 
2.     Stay as active as possible.  This might mean getting outside for regular walks.  If that’s not possible, regular stretching, yoga, and meditation are options to help your body and mind feel its best.
 
3.     Limit social media and use reliable sources of information.  Scrolling social media feeds habitually tends to not help you feel connected or boost your mood.  Social media can also spread misinformation that does not help you stay accurately informed.  Stick with reliable sources of information (eg, www.cdc.gov).
 
4.     Stay in contact with friends and family.  While open-ended social media use might not help you stay connected, using social media to communicate with loved ones can be very uplifting.  Emailing, phoning, or video calls can help you stay connected to friends and family.  Good social support can boost mood and prevent feelings of isolation.
 
5.     Be flexible and realistic about the time it takes to adjust.  Adjusting to your new routine will take time.  Set realistic expectations for yourself.  Don’t expect to be as productive immediately in your work or studies from home.     
 
 
Due to recommendations for social distancing, Dr. Bristow will be available for interviews by video conferencing March 17, 2020 via GoToMeeting.  Video links are available at the time of interview scheduling.
 
Contact:

Dan Bristow, M.D.
President - Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association
focusonmentalhealth@gmail.com
Phone: 503-608-8791

Colleagues,
 
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with uncertain times.  We are used to caring for others while often neglecting ourselves.  Our role is no doubt important in public health.  But our own health and the needs of our loved ones require attention too.  We cannot care for others effectively and consistently without awareness of what we need to do the job (physically and emotionally).  As we navigate this pandemic, I hope you take care of yourselves and your loved ones.  It is extremely important.  
 
I have added some telepsychiatry resources at the bottom of this email.  Using telepsychiatry (which is supported by Oregon and federal law) wherever feasible is advised to allow care to continue without added infection risks.  President Trump has also announced that Medicare will cover telehealth services for Medicare patients, even those services delivered through FaceTime and Skype (non-HIPAA compliant equipment) in order to increase access.  The President has stated that HIPAA would not be enforced for these methods of delivery.
 
Finally, at the end of this email, you will find a press release that OPPA sent out to over 50 Oregon media outlets this morning providing tips for good mental health despite social distancing precautions.  These tips were gathered from APA recommendations and evidence-based research that supports these interventions.
 
Take care,
 
Dan
 
Dan Bristow, MD
President – Oregon Psychiatric Physicians Association
 
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Telepsychiatry (State and Federal clearance of its use)
 
Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has issued temporary rules for telemedicine reimbursement for Medicaid (https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Policies/130-0610-031620.pdf). 
For private insurers who offer mental health benefits, they are required by Oregon law to reimburse HIPAA-compliant live telepsychiatry provided the psychiatrist is enrolled with the insurer.  https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2015R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB144/Enrolled
 
Trump's declaration of coverage of Medicare telehealth coverage using non-HIPAA compliant software:
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/trump-says-medicare-will-cover-telehealth-services-for-beneficiaries-in-self-isolation  
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Telepsychiatry Toolkits from APA and AACAP
 
American Psychiatric Association – Telepsychiatry Toolkit
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/telepsychiatry/toolkit
 
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry – Telepsychiatry Toolkit
https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Clinical_Practice_Center/Business_of_Practice/Telepsychiatry/toolkit_videos.aspx
 
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Talking to kids about COVID-19
 
MIND Institute – Talking with kids about COVID-19
https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/
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