As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts everyone’s lives, experts say it’s important to make sure mental health is a part of the recovery discussion. Berrien County Health Department spokesperson Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News this situation is naturally giving people anxiety, stress, fear, and other problems. One way to cope is to continue communicating with others.
“It is important that people are connecting with others,” Conrad said. “We’re asking for physical distance, but not necessarily total isolation from other human beings.”
Conrad says it’s also good to follow a routine, getting up at the same time each day and following a schedule. And she says it’s OK to turn off the news from time to time. She adds says those in a crisis have places to turn.
“Call the National Distress Helpline or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline operates 24/7 and that number is 800-273-8255.”
Conrad says the conversation on the mental health aspect of this pandemic needs to be ongoing.
“This will be with us for a long time, which is why mental health is such an important focus and something that needs to be part of every conversation as we move throughout this response and into a phase of recovery.”
As for those dealing with anxiety or loneliness, the state has launched a warmline you can call. It will connect you with a peer counselor who has dealt with issues of their own. It can be reached at 888-PEER-753 (888-733-7753).
