During Times of Social Isolation, Keep an Eye on Your Mental Health
Monday, March 23rd, 2020 -- 8:40 AM
(WRN) -In this time of social isolation, it's important to keep an eye on your mental, as well as physical health.It's tough having to stay indoors during the coronavirus isolation but there are tips and tricks you can use to keep yourself mentally fit. Madison College psychology professor Dr. Jenna Behm-Lawton says you should find something to do that isn't worrying about the virus.
"Anything that is not just ruminating about the virus or about the negative aspects of being socially isolated, I think all of those are fantastic."
Dr. Behm-Lawton says one thing to remember is to keep an eye on your friends as best you can, and remember that there are tools available to help people even in a time of isolation.
"Certainly if somebody you know is experiencing anxiety that is interfering with their lives or their they're panicking or just in general is becoming dysfunctional, it's absolutely important that they speak to a professional."
Dr. Behm-Lawton says one thing you can do to help is do something that isn't obsessively reading Facebook.
"Getting rid of the app for a while or placing limits on your own screen time? I know we do that sometimes for our kids but doing it for ourselves is not a bad decision, also."
There are a number of online programs to find a counselor or psychologist to talk to, and many are provided for through insurance.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.