The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge across the nation, with the mounting US death toll surpassing 300 thousand on Monday, even as the first COVID vaccinations were finally being administered to Americans. But getting the vaccine into hundreds of millions of arms will be a slow process, and the dark cloud of COVID is certain to hang over the United States, and countries around the world, for months to come.

Even pre-pandemic, the stresses at this time of year have long been acknowledged by mental health professionals. This year, in addition to financial, physical, and mental health stresses that millions of Americans are experiencing because of the coronavirus, we are confronting other epidemics as well, from opioid addiction and depression to a rising incidence of suicide – which is at the highest rate in 30 years, especially among adolescents.

For many, this holiday season comes at a time of grief, loss and trauma...

Today, we explore some effective strategies for coping with the unique mental health challenges of these difficult times.

Tom's guest for the hour is Dr. Michael Young. He is the service chief of The Retreat, a residential psychiatric treatment center at Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Baltimore. Dr. Young’s special interests are in treating mood, anxiety, and personality disorders.

We welcome your questions or comments for Dr. Young about mental well-being and coping strategies.

If you are in active crisis or have considered harming yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit Sheppard Pratt’s Crisis Walk-in Center, either in-person or virtually. For more information, visit the Walk-in center website.

Email us at [email protected], tweet us: @MiddayWYPR, or call us at 410-662-8780.