Chesapeake In The Know

The emotional impact of COVID-19 varies person to person but one thing is for sure. No matter what you’re feeling, it is okay and completely normal. While so much of our focus right now is keeping everyone physically healthy, we have to remember that our mental health is just as important. Here are a few tips compiled by Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare.

• Take breaks from watching, reading, and listening to news stories. Stay informed but avoid excessive exposure. This includes social media.
• Only trust official sources for your information. For Chesapeake, that includes our COVID-19 website (CityofChesapeake.net/COVID19) and the Virginia Health Department website (VDH.Virginia.gov/coronavirus).
  Maintain your routines as much as possible.
• Focus on your general well-being. Eat healthy, drink water, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid excessive use of alcohol.
• Practice social distancing but don’t be socially distant. Connect with loved ones in whatever way possible, whether it be phone, video conferencing, or perhaps an old fashioned letter.

If your stress, fear, anxiety, or other emotions are getting to be too much, Chesapeake Integrated Behavioral Healthcare is here to help. They are currently providing telephone consultation, assessment, and therapy by phone and video conferencing. Call 757-547-9334 for help. If you or someone you know wants to harm themselves, call the 24/7 emergency crisis intervention line at 757-548-7000.