Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Jill Sperling

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health professional encourages connection, healthy habits during self-isolation

Mar 24, 2020 | 4:52 PM

KAMLOOPS — As more people choose to self-isolate, it can begin to take its toll on one’s mental health.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is encouraging people to find ways to stay connected during the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The COVID-19 situation itself can cause anxiety as some may struggle with the constant bad news or fear of germs.

“The calls that I have received when I am in the office have increased,” said Christa Haywood-Farmer, manager of community and vocational integration at CMHA. “And so, the programs that I work within, not only have the clients and participants connected with me, but also community folks with family members who are experiencing low mood, or depression, or their symptoms of anxiety have increased. So, yes, I have certainly seen, and I’ve heard from many people in our community regarding specific mental health issues.”

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Haywood-Farmer encourages people to find ways to gauge their mental state and implement health coping mechanisms.

“Obviously our physical health affects us mentally and vice versa, so proper nutrition is important, getting out and exercising, socializing, all of that is linked to emotional well-being. So, we just have to be creative in how we do those things.”