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COVID causing depression

Norwalk Reflector - 3/25/2020

Mar. 25--NORWALK -- If Gov. DeWine and Ohio Health Director Amy Acton's recent "stay at home order" has you feeling isolated and depressed, you are not alone.

Working from home can create feelings of loneliness and isolation. Empty store shelves are deeply distressing. Let's not even talk about the stock market.

Deanna England, Clinical Manager at the Oriana House, said being isolated from other can become devastating to someone suffering with depression. She advises to stick to routines and communicate with loved one's as much as possible as ways to cope.

"It can really be isolating the longer the order goes on," England said. "The best way to try and keep your head up above the water is to keep as much of your routine the same as possible. Doing things like waking up and working out at the same times everyday and staying connected with loved ones via Facetime or talking on the phone can be very effective."

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.

"The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people," the CDC's websites says. "Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger."

Though it is still early to tell how the stay at home order has affected the community, England says they are getting more mental health calls. She reiterated the need to call for help if you think you may be struggling with depression.

"So far we have started to see it with telehealth," England said. "Our specialty is disorder caution and sometimes people may be asking themselves if they should reach out for help or not. If you are thinking about reaching out or wondering if you should, then you need to call and talk to a mental health professional."

England said the Huron CountyBoard of Mental Health and Addiction Services is there to help.

"The mental health board is doing a good job getting the word out," England said. "I would just suggest to people to get out and walk and soak in as much of the sun as possible as this continues to drag on. And, if you need to call someone, don't hesitate."

According to the CDC, people who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:

-- Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19.

-- Children and teens.

-- People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers, or first responders.

-- People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use.

If you experience feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, or any other strong emotions for which you need support, the Huron County Support Line (567-743-7155) is available to help. The Huron County Support Line is a free, non-judgmental, non-emergency support line available to every person in the county.

Individuals can call to get support and learn about available mental health and recovery resources. If you are experiencing a mental health related crisis, contact the Huron County Crisis Hotline at 800-826-1306.

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(c)2020 the Norwalk Reflector (Norwalk, Ohio)

Visit the Norwalk Reflector (Norwalk, Ohio) at www.norwalkreflector.com

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