COVID-19 is also having an impact on mental health as we try to cope with stress and anxiety from the pandemic. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Michelle Moore with LSU Health New Orleans says whenever we are told to do something out of the norm we can react with a greater degree of anxiety or depression.
“What people need to realize is that they are feeling these emotions now and the fact that we have so many unknowns about how long it will last, their emotions will intensify,” said Moore.
Moore says don’t ignore a change in behavior and seek professional help if you have trouble coping on your own. She offers some suggestions on how to cope with the current crisis.
“Taking deep breaths, going for a walk outside, looking for what things you can control in your environment, and turning off the news sometimes, so that you’re not always listening to everything that’s happening,” said Moore.
She also suggests using your phone as we social distance and to stay in contact with family and friends. Moore says focusing on the positive in your life daily and keeping a gratitude diary and can help during the pandemic.
A majority of workers in the state are working from home and some find themselves unemployed and/or caring for children at home now as schools are closed. Moore says as we undergo huge life changes, we must learn to be flexible during this uncertain time.
“You need to let go of trying to make it work in the exact schedule you had before and just let things roll unnaturally, “said Moore.
If you feel you need counseling, you can call the Louisiana Department of Health’s Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline at 1-888-310-7977.
Story by Brooke Thorington.
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