Detroit Today: How the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way people socialize
How social media, social distancing and a lack of sustained social interaction are impacting Metro Detroiters post-pandemic.
It’s been a while since people were social distancing and wearing masks.
Are we back to normal? What does “normal” even mean today?
According to survey data, depression — which rose sharply during the pandemic — is up 10% for American adults over the last eight years. During a similar period, the suicide rate increased 16%.
And while the percentage of Americans who claim they are significantly lonely has declined since 2021, it still remains high at 17%.
Dr. Jeffrey Kuentzel from Wayne State University and Bishop Daryl Harris of Total Life Christian Ministries joined Detroit Today to discuss how Metro Detroiters are handling their mental health post-COVID.
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Guests
Dr. Jeffrey Kuentzel is the director of counseling and psychological services at Wayne State University. Kuentzel believes people need to be figure out how to feel balanced and stable while being alone.
“If you haven’t had a chance to be comfortable and happy being alone, then this is an opportunity to work on that,” says Kuentzel.
Bishop Daryl Harris is the founding pastor of Total Life Christian Ministries. Harris thinks students must learn how to manage their social media time so it doesn’t control too much of the way they interact in the world.
“It’s not all bad, but if we don’t manage it, it will be,” Harris warns.
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