By Erin Wiley, MA, LPCC
Since COVID-19, there is an increase in emotional distress surrounding virus-related stressors: struggling to manage distressing feelings caused by social isolation, family members cooped up together, the anxiety of the unknown, the loss of freedom and events that are meaningful to people (prom, graduation, weddings, funerals, church services, and more).
Mentally people are struggling with stay-at-home orders because it is simply not natural to stay in your home for months at a time with little physical activity and social interaction. Humans are wired for connection with others. Being forcibly separated from the people we are closest to is emotionally difficult.