Gov. Andrew Cuomo warned New Yorkers during his regular press briefing on Sunday, Apr. 26 about an unintended consequence of his “PAUSE” executive order which has been in effect since March, ever since the World Health Organization declared the spread of COVID-19 a pandemic.

 

The impact of having to stay home, cancelling public events and social gatherings, closing non-essential businesses, schools, religious and sports venues has given rise to a common dilemma – how to maintain positive mental health. Coincidentally, May marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month.

 

“Do not underestimate the stress that this situation has created, the abnormal circumstances that it has created,” Cuomo said. “I don’t know if I have a job, I’m not getting a paycheck, the bills are still coming in. I see no light at the end of the tunnel. That’s a toxic mix.”

 

But, it’s not just adults who are suffering from this “toxic mix”. On Friday, Apr. 24, the Journal for the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics, published findings on one of the first studies analyzing the effects of home confinement on children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

As part of the study, researchers investigated “depressive and anxiety symptoms” among students in Hubei province, China, including in the city of Wuhan, the geographic origin of the coronavirus.

 

The study found that 22.6 percent of students reported having depressive symptoms. Experts say a follow-up study will be needed to evaluate the long-term effects of the pandemic, but mental health professionals are concerned that it will have a significant impact, even beyond those individuals directly infected.

 

With diminished or no income, another month’s rent due, unpaid bills piling up, limited options for children to go out and play, and some families confined to small apartments for hours on end, it’s understandable to hear New York’s governor describe the current situation as a “toxic mix”.

 

However, there are several things people can do to cope with the stress that comes with having to  adhere to tough social distancing guidelines, and restricted mobility. Acknowledging that we are living through stressful times is a good start. Dean McKay has a doctorate in clinical and school psychology, and is a professor at Fordham University’s Department of Psychology.

 

“First, anxiety, in general, is an expected reaction during this time,” McKay wrote in an email response to Norwood News. “Most people are anxious, and in fact, it would be unusual to not be anxious about the future. Just keeping this in mind can be helpful.”

 

McKay also recommended doing one daily activity that is enjoyable. “Be sure to schedule something each day that is pleasant,” he said. “Try to do it without distractions.”

 

In that vein, Sophia Ebanks, 23, has been practicing yoga for the last four years as a healthy way to deal with overall stress. Now, with the prevailing “stay home” guidelines in effect, yoga has become even more important to her. “For me, [yoga] is my space to vent out, and get calm,” she said, adding that she became a yoga instructor last year.

 

Practicing yoga regularly also helps Ebanks to connect with something that refreshes her body and soul. “The more difficult poses give us pause, especially to face a situation of panic,” she said. “[Yoga] fortifies the body, it slows down the mind, and helps us to find calm. It connects us to love, to peace, to joy.”

 

For families facing economic hardship, McKay recommends a two-step approach to dealing with stressful situations. He said families may need to take a close look at what type of activities they can still do safely, and look for any place where they can conserve their money. “Second, if you are already at the barest minimum, then it may be essential to look to who, in the community, can be of additional support, to find comfort in community,” he said.

 

Bronxites who may feel overwhelmed by the intense stress of the economic uncertainty facing them right now, in addition to the strain of meeting social distancing requirements that have upended their way of life, can call a hotline offering mental health counseling.

 

New York State provides help through the COVID-19 Emotional Support Line at 1-844-863-9314. Trained volunteer professionals are answering calls, listening, giving support, and offering referrals from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

 

New York City also provides mental health support over the phone, through NYC Well at 1-888-692-9355. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with interpreters available in over 200 languages.

 

Meanwhile, The James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JJP VA MC) is encouraging veterans to access VA mental health support from home.

 

“Due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, and out of concern for our local Veterans, we are honoring current physical distancing guidelines,” said Margaret B. Caplan, Medical Center Director at the center. “Through VA’s virtual care tools, we are able to leverage available technology to make sure that our patients and staff are as safe as possible during this time.”

 

Veterans should maintain their existing mental health appointments — and can receive care at home — using VA Video Connect on their computers, smartphones, or tablets. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their health care provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting www.myheath.va.gov. Veterans can also learn more about VA Video Connect by clicking on this link.

 

The overriding message? McKay said it is critically important to maintain social connections even while practicing social distancing. “Now, more than ever, it is necessary to stay connected while keeping separate,” he said. “Doing so now will help minimize depression and anxiety.”