In our current situation with the outbreak of the Corona Virus, anxiety and depression are on the rise. This brief article is written to identify the signs of anxiety and depression related to the pandemic and the resultant quarantine and isolation we are forced to endure. We are creatures of ritual and structure. We wake each morning and shower, have breakfast, coffee and are off to work or school. This structure provides us a sense of purpose and social context to our lives. When isolated from friends, colleagues, and family we lose the support and social contact that we depend on. Our isolation from one another has been for many stressful and overwhelming. We can ameliorate some of the stress, anxiety and depression with some simple tools that may bring back some sense of normalcy to our lives.

_ Recognize that structure is important. Bring that structure back to your life by returning to rituals and routines. Be sure to get up a a certain time each day. Don’t lay around in your pajamas just because you don’t have anywhere to be. Shower, dress, eat breakfast. Build structure around things that are important to you (i.e. exercise, learn a new skill, take an on-line class etc.). Do something purposeful each day.

- If you have children, talk to them, support then, provide structure for them. Our children have lost their connection to peers, sports, education, and the ability to socialize.

- A healthy diet is important to support a healthy immune system. We tend to turn to comfort foods like carbs, sweets and alcohol when stressed or bored.

- Continue your connection with friends and family by phone, video chats and social distancing gatherings. As things ease up go out more in a safe and responsible way. Wear a mask, wash and sanitize your hands and keep a safe distance from others. Realize that eventually we will be able to move out of isolation but our anxiety and depression can keep us paralyzed long past the physical dangers of this virus.

- Working at home can result in blurred boundaries between your work life and your personal life. Be sure to start on time and stop on time. After work give yourself some time to decompress like you may have done on your car ride home from the office.

For more help, Dr. Kobel is providing video consultation and can be reached at (310) 490-1246