While people are rightfully taking steps to ensure their physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare officials emphasize they shouldn’t neglect their mental well-being.

Ann Cochran, Health Navigator and Public Information Officer for the Dallas County Health Department, says in spite of its importance in curbing the viral spread, it is possible to take social distancing too far. With that in mind Cochran says public health is shifting their focus to physical distancing, and encouraging people to be socially active. “There’s the potential for a lot of feelings of isolation in a negative way; people feeling lonely, versus just alone. So please don’t think that the ‘distancing’ means that you’re not supposed to reach out to other people. There are many ways that you can interact with others and support them, (such as) by phone or email, social media, even writing an old-fashioned letter to someone could be kind of a fun thing for them to get in the mail right now.”

Some other tips to stave off COVID-19 isolation blues include: take up a hobby like an herb garden, puzzles, or knitting; keep normal routines for sleeping, eating, and socializing; take walks with friends and family on local trails; attend virtual church services; and take breaks from coronavirus information to focus on positive news. Cochran adds, if a person has feelings of depression or anxiety, they shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to a mental healthcare provider. She points out, there are a variety of ways to consult with different doctors, including Telehealth conferencing.

To learn more about dealing with COVID-19, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Cochran.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/04/01/lets-talk-dallas-county-4-1-2020-ann-cochran/