KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — As we all are far too well aware, the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic fallout it has brought on and the racial unrest in the country are all combining to have a major impact on us.
But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that the prevalence of symptoms of anxiety are three times as high as last year's, and symptoms of depression are four times higher than in the second quarter of 2019.
What can we do?
There are many steps we can all take to help ourselves, including rest, exercise and talking with those we love.
Another step is to try to protect yourself from visual information overload — in other words, too much TV and internet coverage.
If you feel you are suffering from psychological symptoms, reach out to your physician or someone you trust. There is help available.
