PETERSBURG, Va. -- The spread of the coronavirus, and the many changes that comes with it, has also brought new stressors into the lives of many in the commonwealth and across the country.
Everyone has to come to terms with a new normal, Cathy Becker, a LPC with Poplar Springs Hospital, explained.
"Everyone's life is dramatically impacted," said Becker. "There is nothing wrong with calling for help.”
The mental health impact is being felt by all ages. Becker says it's anxiety that has no boundaries.
"Mental illness does not discriminate between race, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status," she explained.
"People are anxious. The Anxiety nowadays has really increased,” said Brandy Green, an RN at Poplar Springs Hospital.
Poplar Springs Behavioral Hospital in Petersburg is open 24/7.
“Our intake department is fully running every single day, 24 hours a day," Becker said.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the coronavirus or being self-quarantined, Becker suggests you call them at 804-733-6874.
"Just please call us anytime and we can get you connected to resources. We can see if you need to come into the hospital and what steps you need to take to keep yourself well," said Becker.
With children out of school and parents working from home, the new normal brings new stress and from children, lots of questions.
Brandy Green says the key to answering is honesty.
Green says she told her four children:
"You know we're going to be safe. We're going to listen to the CDC. We're going to wear our facemasks. You're not going to go out, but when I go out to get groceries and go to work, I'm going to be safe.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or have suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.