We’re painfully aware of the health and economic effects of the pandemic, but what about the damage to our psyche? How has the need to socially distance affected our nation’s seniors, particularly those in care facilities? How has a year or more of distanced learning impacted the emotional development and anxiety levels of children? The pandemic has underscored how fundamental social contact is in our lives. This period of separation from loved ones, loss of freedom, and uncertainty about the future has affected all of us in some way. To address these questions, the Bozeman Public Library presented their SymBozium #7 entitled: How are you holding up? The pandemic’s wide-ranging effects on mental health. The panel of experts included: Michael Foust, Area Director for Western Montana Mental Health Center; Ingrid Ulrey, Policy Director at Public Health – Seattle & King County, Washington; and Jodi Murray, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, working in Bozeman. Library Director Susan Gregory introduced the moderator, Bozeman City Commissioner Christopher Coburn.

Recorded via Zoom on May 13, 2021.