BOZEMAN — Taking care of your physical health is now more important than ever. But so is taking care of your mental health. At a time of social isolation, it can be easy to feel like you’re struggling alone.
“I have seen an increase in anxiety and depression, no motivation kind of just struggles to sometimes get through the day,” explained Brandi Reinhard-Ferrese, a clinical mental health counselor.
Reinhard-Ferrese says this pandemic has had an impact on a lot of her clients.
“For starters, I think that loss of connection of seeing people in person, being able to hug our loved ones and just our everyday lives being turned upside down. I see a lot of people again with that low motivation that’s like well what’s my purpose right now? What is getting me out of bed? What is motivating me," she explained.
There have been mental health concerns regarding catching the virus and social isolation, and now some people have even expressed anxiety about having to wear a face mask.
“I could see how it could be anxiety-provoking, and there are different skills to use to cope with that and manage it. I know the other day I was kind of feeling a little bit more anxious than usual going into the store, so I just took a moment before I put on my mask and did a deep breath exercise. You know breath from the belly and kind of just slow everything down before putting my mask on. So, again I can see how it can be anxiety-provoking and there are ways to manage it,” Reinhard-Ferrese said.
There are several resources available for those who are struggling, including the national suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You don’t have to struggle alone.
