The government shutdown's impact on mental health

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)— The loss of paychecks and SNAP benefits has affected many Oklahomans, but now, many are looking at the toll the government shutdown is having on the mental health of those impacted.

It has resulted in some taking drastic measures to try and ease the pain.

"A lot of these folks are vulnerable people and they need a little bit of extra support to get back on their feet," Carrie Blumert, CEO of Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, said.

The government shutdown is likely causing stress levels to reach new heights for thousands of Oklahomans directly affected by it.

Many federal workers and military personnel have missed paychecks while bills continue to pile up.

SNAP benefits will not go out on November 1st, leaving thousands of families without the help they rely buy groceries.

Blumert says they are doing all they can, but funding cuts have led to fewer resources.

"A lot of the folks that we're helping and trying to connect to resources, there's just not as many resources as there have been," Blumert said. "There's not as many funded programs."

News 4 has talked to many rehab centers across the metro. None would go on camera, but they tell us they are seeing more people suffering with relapses right now, possibly triggered by the stress of the shutdown.

"That makes sense to me; it does not surprise me," Blumert said. "It's good people are getting access to help and treatment, but that makes sense with the amount of stress, the political environment, the economic environment."

With no end to the shutdown in sight, Blumert fears ongoing stress may lead people to even darker places in their minds.

"Sometimes the only option feels to be ending it," Blumert said. "There are other options. There are other ways out."

She wants everyone struggling with such thoughts to hear this.

You can call 988, you can call 911, you can call our mental health assistance center. There are lines where people are ready to talk to you," Blumert said. "It probably feels like the government has turned its back on you. So, I would encourage folks, do not be afraid to ask for help."

Blumert says they have available resources at the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma, and encourages anyone needing any type of assistance to reach out.

You can also call their assistance center at 405-943-3700.