There is another battle that many are fighting with COVID-19, even if they don’t have COVID-19.

Studies are projecting that over 75,000 people will die from suicide or a drug and alcohol overdose during the virus.

Local experts say this is due to many factors, including increased stress and anxiety.

Loneliness are other factors as well. Being unable to see family and friends can prove to be detrimental to the mind.

However, there are still a great amount of emergency services that are available.

The Erie City Mission and Safe Harbor Behavioral Health are two of these.

One person in particular has been able to thrive during the virus.

Shawn Bailey turned to drugs and alcohol after suffering family loss.

After not being able to find enough help for him, he was concerned he wouldn’t be able to make it much longer.

“Absolutely believed that it would help me cope with it but it did nothing but mask it”, Bailey said.

Now, however, he is 13 months sober, and will complete the program next Thursday.

Bailey also says the biggest fear for people in his shoes is being embarrassed if they ask for help.

But Bailey says that no matter what, reaching out for help is the best way to stay safe, especially during COVID-19.