INTEGRATIVE + ONLINE PSYCHIATRY + HOLISTIC HEALTH

Category: Viral Pandemics

Inspiration, Rebirth, Butterfly on a flower

Spring’s Challenge in Conflictual Times

Ten Tips for Restoring Peaceful Coexistence when Discord Arises

A New Beginning and Hope

The season for a fresh start seemed upon us with its promise of renewal and healing. Out of the deep darkness, a seed, a kernel of insight, grows towards the light and life with opportunity and challenge. People were reemerging after a trying and difficult period with some hopefulness of new beginnings.

The scourges of a pandemic seemed to recede with the anticipation of a reopening of society. The regaining of prosperity and security was the hope. But then, there was the possibility of new variants and surges. There were still people that had lost their faith in science, vaccines, climate control, our government, and democracy.

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Keeping of a journal on an expedition

Befriending the Inner Voice

The willingness to challenge our firmly held beliefs and established narrative identity is a gateway for change, gaining wisdom, and better adaptability to life’s challenges.

Simon’s Story

I’m Simon, and I have bipolar disorder. I like to joke that I was a late bloomer, very tongue in cheek, because that was far from the truth. I was in my mid-forties when I physically collapsed. Life and everyone in it just became too much and my mind and body had come to a place where something had to give, or in my case, both gave way at the same time.

I spent a long time in bed thinking that the heart palpitations, cause by my excessive drinking, were killing me. Eventually, I took a stupid Am I Bipolar? test in a magazine, and found that I ticked all of the boxes. That led me back to my GP, who set me up with an appointment with Arno, my first psychiatrist. Within an hour, and with prescription in hand, I entered life after diagnosis and the circus show that comes when dealing with extended family and friends. Luckily, I had Jax to help me...

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Fear and anxiety

Surviving Anxiety and Trauma

Unexpected Fall

Dr. Sid—endearingly just called “Sid” by his peers, colleagues, and fellow healthcare workers—made his way through the city in the early morning darkness. For fifteen years, he’d traveled this way, but the ordinarily busy city was now quiet, a sad reminder of the pandemic’s impact. He cranked the heater as a shiver crept up his spine at the thought of what lay ahead of him.

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Turbulent hurricane

Storms and Mental Health

Mary’s Challenges

Mary1 had a history of mood swings, depression, anxiety, and PTSD from childhood sexual abuse. Her years growing up were in a chaotic and disruptive home, especially after her alcoholic father deserted her and her mother. She had experienced a hard time growing up with parental neglect, physical, and emotional abuse. Her post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) returned after the hurricane with a vengeance.

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Lightning in a thunderstorm and natural disaster

Crises, Career, and Mental Health

My journey from crises to a career in medicine and mental health began early in life.

Growing up in the rural countryside, I loved to run and play, in the open fields and woods, with my friends and dog. I became good at swimming and other sports. Even though polio was in the news with pictures of children paralyzed from the untreatable illness—there was no effective treatment or vaccine. I felt invincible and in robust health. But with a turn of fate, the virus found me one summer day.

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COVID-19 and Mental Health Crises Book

If a mental health crisis or the pandemic has affected your life, then this book is written for you.

COVID-19/Mental Health Crises: Holistic Understanding & Solutions

In his timely book, now published, Ronald R. Parks, MPH, MD, examines the impact of COVID-19 or other forms of crisis, loss, or tragedy on individual mental health.

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Awakening to the wonderment of nature

Epilogue to COVID-19

The U.S. and all the other countries of the world lost the cherished and innocent beliefs of individuality, separateness, and independence.

There was no security from a devastating infectious pathogen, quickly crossing permeable national boundaries. The self-conceived bubble of safety and autonomy had burst into the reality of living in a global interconnected population. The impact of one individual potentially effects the health and wellbeing of all on the planet.

If you prefer to listen, a podcast version is available as you go to the full post article.

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Planet in a hand with ocean and a butterfly

Pandemic LifeSavers

To ensure a safe journey through the present hazardous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, make wise choices.

Be vigilant to protect yourself and others from one of the most virulent and destructive viruses of the century. Keep tuned to the latest news and recommendation from reputable sources, but be careful to avoid any politically motivated misinformation. The COVID-19 infections and spread will continue until effective anti-viral drugs, vaccines, adequate testing, and contact tracing are available.

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fear and anxiety in a senior women

Pandemic Fear and Anxiety

Recognition and management of fear and anxiety are essential to maintain healthy emotions and mood. Cascading anxiety can contribute to emotional collapse and severe depression.

Fear can paralyze a person with a loss of productivity, effectiveness, and quality of life. Unchecked fear with worry can build to loss of confidence, insecurity, and significant emotional states like anxiety, panic, and depression. Today’s unique atmosphere of a viral COVID-19 pandemic is overwhelming for many. Our nation is experiencing a collapsing economy, with the devastating effect of an enormous number of people dying from the viral illness.

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threatening clouds

Reducing COVID-19 Risk

Information evolves, and in something like a pandemic, the story changes daily.

The threat of severe health impairment, death, or significant mood impairment, brings up many questions and concerns. A desperate and frightened caller might seek answers to their current perplexing, pandemic-related situation: updated information, a different perspective, and a broader view can be helpful.

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By using this blog site, viewers acknowledge that they have read, accept and understand the following terms and conditions: This blog site provides information only, not medical or mental health advice. It is the User’s responsibility to direct personal medical or mental health questions to their primary care provider and specialty physicians. This blog site is not intended to do or provide medical advice or consultation. You are advised to seek the advice of your personal physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or problem.


The information and statements contained in this blog site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or to replace the recommendations or advice given to you by your primary or direct care providers. The contents of this website or additional comments are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by professional care givers who have seen you and with whom you have directly worked. Your reliance on any information provided by Dr. Parks, content providers, or comment contributors is solely at your own discretion. You are advised not to disregard medical advice from your primary or direct care providers, or delay seeking medical advice or treatment because of information contained in this website.


This blog site and its materials are the intellectual property of Dr. Parks. Using this material without written permission is prohibited. There is no implied warranty to readers, since health information benefits everyone in their own unique way. Anyone viewing this blog site (ronparksmd.com) agrees to hold harmless and indemnify Dr. Parks regarding any information provided from this website and any ancillary or collateral information contained in the site or to which referenced is made. There are no representations as to accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog site and Dr. Parks will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. The views expressed on this website are those of Dr. Parks or other contributors. Views expressed are not to be inferred to be an endorsement from or by any official government, organization or medical establishment. Management of serious mental or physical health problems should remain under the care and guidance of your primary care physicians, specialist or psychiatrists.