GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) — The virus is only one aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic taking a toll on the health of Wisconsinites.
The pandemic, experts say, is also taking a serious toll on mental health.
Mental health experts spoke Wednesday as part of Brown County Health Department’s ‘Faces of COVID’ series. Lisa Tutskey is a family counselor, and she said that nearly every aspect of the pandemic, from restrictions to school closures to working from home, impacts mental health.
“Families, couples, we’re used to a certain routine, a certain rhythm to our life that does not exist now,” Tutskey said.
That causes stress, which exacerbates issues with mental health. Add to that: a pervasive feeling of uncertainty.
“Are children going to be in school? Are we going to be working from home?” said Tutskey. “Are we going to be in-person? Are we going to be quarantined? Are we going to get that call from the health department telling us that we’ve been in contact?”
Children, in particular, are suffering from the ill-effects of school closures and social distancing.
“It is important to speak to our children at their own level,” said Dr. Donald Beno of Aurora Baycare. “Validate their fears, correct their misconceptions, and assure them that they will be cared for and loved.”
Experts suggest reaching out for help if you think you or a loved one need it.
