(Le Mars) — In order to limit the exposure of the COVID-19 coronavirus, health officials, along with Iowa Governor Reynolds, have asked people to remain in their homes. With restaurants, lounges, theaters, fitness clubs, schools, and other social entities having to close their doors for a few weeks, people may begin to feel some anxiety. Kim Keleher is the C-E-O with Plains Area Mental Health Center of Le Mars. She suggests as a
way to combat any feelings of anxiety during this time of isolation is to limit your time on social media, and step away from watching the television news.
Keleher says a good distraction would be to play games with our children, and find some fun things to watch, such as family-based movies, if by chance you have a collection of movies. Keleher says people may also want to reach out and call friends and relatives.
The Plains Area Mental Health official says her office has already seen an increase number of calls and visits due to people having anxiety issues because of the isolation with the coronavirus.
Remaining isolated can affect a person’s mental health, and Keleher suggests people do some exercise as a way to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Keleher suggests people eat a well-balanced meal, drink lots of fluids, and remain active in order to combat the boredom of isolation associated with the coronavirus.
