BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Sydney Stec, MA, LPC

Q: I feel detached from people and I’ve noticed that my depression is getting worse, especially with current travel restrictions in place. What can I do to cope?

A: Understandably, many of us feel detached from our friends and loved ones due to the current restrictions in place. While we may not be able to interact with people the way we would like, there are still ways to stay connected and reduce those feelings of sadness and disconnection. One way to do this is to follow a routine each day, such as waking up and falling asleep at the same times. When we do not have a consistent schedule, whether it is a sleep schedule or a dayto-day list of tasks, our mental health can suffer. Another option is to plan activities that create positive emotions, such as working on new skills and hobbies or contacting a friend or family member over Zoom or Facetime in order to stay connected.

These coping skills can help you to work towards increasing positive emotions while distanced from loves ones, though if you notice that your symptoms are becoming more severe and difficult to manage, please seek further assistance from a mental health provider. Premier Behavioral Health Services offers therapy and programs focused on providing tools to help you to better regulate your emotions, cope with distress and crisis situations more effectively, how to improve and maintain your relationships, and become more mindful and in the moment. One of the best ways to find a therapist that would be the most appropriate fit for you would be to read through bios or watch introduction videos of those providers. If you are at all interested in therapy at PBHS, please contact us to schedule an assessment, so that we may find the best fit for you and get you on the right path to wellness.

Sydney Stec, MA, LPC Premier Behavioral

Health Service 8701 Mentor Avenue Mentor 44060 440-266-0770 www.pbhsohio.com