CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed each May since 1949, but this year its message may carry even more importance given this time of coronavirus and sheltering-in-place.
It can be hard to talk about some of things we might be experiencing right now - anxiety, depression, and loneliness, as we social distance and shelter-in-place. But psychotherapist and author Megan Devine said "It's OK That You're Not OK" - the title of her book, especially when there is loss of that connection and companionship that can be the best medicine for whatever hurts.
Devine said if you experience anxiety or a panic attack – and it’s the first time – it can be frightening and a feeling of being overwhelmed, but she said "the thing to remember here is those feelings are normal, even if they are uncomfortable. Anxiety in an uncertain time is a normal human response. It is not bad, it's not wrong, it's okay to feel that way."
The CDC said to cope with stress during COVID-19 take time to breathe, make time to sleep and exercise, reach out and stay connected, and seek help if you feel overwhelmed.