Mental Health impacts of the government shutdown

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The ongoing government shutdown is taking a mental toll on Americans.

“Whether it’s SNAP benefits or affordable health insurance,” said Coraline Robinson, a director and a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist with Balance Treatment Center, “really the majority of the population is facing some sort of cut in subsidies in support from the federal government.”

More than 42 million low-income Americans rely on SNAP benefits, which include 16 million children.

In Central California, thousands of people depend on food assistance, which includes more than 246,000 people in Fresno County. NAMI Fresno is seeing more people seeking mental health help.

“They’re definitely having a lot of feelings, which I believe is okay to have a lot of feelings right now,” said Gordie Ochinero-Bermudez with NAMI Fresno. “You know what we’re experiencing is very vulnerable, the community is very vulnerable right now.”

SNAP benefits are to expire on Saturday. Many food banks and agencies are stepping up to help those facing food insecurity. Mental health experts explain it’s the looming uncertainty that triggers the stress and anxiety.

“So that is when you really need to look at your behaviors,’ said Robinson. “Are they changing? If they are, then how can you get support to get back on track?”

Robinson tells Action news connection during a time of uncertainty is critical.

“The biggest risk factor in mental health is not the symptom. It’s not the anxiety or even the situation or the depression,” said Robinson. “It’s the feeling that you are the only one. We know that loneliness drives depression.”

Robinson urges people to find support, whether it’s through loved ones or a professional. NAMI Fresno says it offers support groups twice a week.

“Our groups are free,” said Ochinero-Bermudez. “Everything we do for our community is free. If this is the time where you need to go, if it’s not NAMI Fresno. Could be somewhere else, but definitely go somewhere.”

Mental health experts stress that you are not alone in this struggle, and not to be ashamed to seek help.

To learn more about the services offered at Balance Treatment Center, click here.

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