Long-term ICU effects and overcoming family disputes on social distancing

MPR News host Angela Davis explored two topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic: the long-term mental health effects on patients in ICU and how to settle family disputes over social distancing.

Since March, there have been nearly 1,400 Minnesotans in intensive care units with positive cases of COVID-19. We know for many patients, being in the ICU can be physically demanding and difficult. But did you know it can also affect their mental health? Some patients can experience “ICU delirium,” a psychotic reaction that is often described as an intense confusion that patients just can’t snap out of. 

Guest:

• James Jackson is a psychologist and the assistant director of the ICU Recovery Center at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

The pandemic is dividing family members — some don’t agree on the severity of this health crisis, and their decisions and behaviors reflect that. Angela chatted with a family therapist about the best ways to stand your ground on social distancing and mask wearing without alienating your family and friends.

Guest:

• Bill Doherty is a professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota and co-founder of Braver Angels, which started under the name Better Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing political polarization in America.