CH Allegheny Enterprise

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‘Psych Brain’ Do you ever walk into a room and forget why you are there or strug- gle to find the right word? Do you find yourself becoming frustrated when you try to remember what you did this morning? According to Miami-based psychiatrist Dr. Arthur Bregman, short- term memory loss is rampant right now. “I see healthy-minded people everyday worried they are losing their ability to think clearly,” Bregman says. “What’s happening? I call it COVID Psych Brain or CPB; and it’s happening not because of COVID but because of living during the COVID pandemic.” Bregman is clear to point out this is not a symptom of the disease. “The patients I am talking about are healthy,” says Bregman, who has more than 40 years experience treating children and adults. “What’s happening is COVID Psych Brain is playing havoc on our social and psychological immune system which is responsible for all that mental fuzziness.” Bregman says first there is fear of the disease, then fear for its effect on communities and then the stress that comes with managing to live in such uncertain times. “We have work-at-home pressures,” he says. “Not to mention work- ing at home and home-schooling children pressures. Then we can add indefinite social distancing, a sensationalistic news media, and problems like rising alcoholism or domestic violence. The tension can feel overwhelming.” Bregman says some people are cast into a state of confusion, agitation and even forgetfulness as their psychological defenses work overtime to protect themselves. A constant state of fight-or-flight — which is when the body releases cortisol to help escape danger — can result, he says. “Cortisol is the stress hormone,” he says. “As the body suffers more

“First, take some time to do a relaxing activity that you enjoy. Listen to some good music, watch your favorite show or pick up a hobby. Second, connect while social distancing. Call a friend or family mem- ber to share a few laughs and gain a new perspective on things.”

DR. ARTHUR BREGMAN

32 WINTER 2021

COMMU N I T Y H E A LT H

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