As part of Mental Health Week — which began Oct. 4 and runs through Saturday — a local event was held this week to remember 14 people suffering from mental health issues or who worked in the field of mental health who died in the past year.

The crowd that gathered at Alameda Park Wednesday shared stories and tributes about loved ones who either died after battling drug and alcohol addiction or mental health issues or were mental health workers.

Diedra Fields — of Butler’s Grapevine Center, which focuses on peer support and mentoring for those suffering from mental health issues or drug or alcohol dependency — said there have been a larger number of deaths among these groups than usual in recent months due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

Sadly, this comes as no surprise.

Before COVID-19 arrived, a study three years ago by the National Institute of Mental Health found that nearly one in five U.S. adults — or about 46.6 million people — have some form of mental illness.

Events like pandemics — when people are stuck inside and mostly away from others — can make mental health issues worse for those who suffer from them, and create new issues for those who previously didn’t have them.

“There were lockdown deaths because mental health people absolutely need socialization,” Fields said of some of those lost during the past year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noted that pandemics can cause such problems as fear and worry about one’s health and the health of loved ones, concerns relating to finances and jobs, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, increased drug or alcohol use, the worsening of chronic health issues and feelings of isolation.

Fields said the Grapevine Center’s Drop-In Center closed in March during the lockdown, but has since reopened with COVID-19 protocols. However, it is drawing far fewer visitors than before.

That’s a cause for concern. There are likely more people suffering from mental health issues than before the pandemic started.

There are options for getting help in Butler County — from the Grapevine Center to Butler’s Center for Community Resources, which can connect those with insurance that doesn’t cover mental health services with assistance.

Those suffering in the county should know there are services in their community to assist with the challenges they are facing.

Seek them out. We hope that one day events like the one held this week by the Grapevine Center will no longer be necessary.

— NCD