Covid Isolation

Dr. Eve Night tells us "Just like we have an emergency with our physical health, we're having an emergency with our mental health."

For many americans, the holidays are looking a bit different this year.

Due to the pandemic, many are unable to travel to see their family for the christmas holiday and have been dealing with isolation.

News 12's kenan scott spoke with a mental health professional about what you can do to stay positive during a difficult holiday season.

Andrew, emily i spoke with dr. eve nite with erlanger behavioral health who says that americans should be prioritizing their mental health during the holiday season especially if you are a senior citizen or someone facing with prolonged isolation.

The cdc is strongly urging people to use their best judgment when it comes to traveling and attending holiday gatherings, saying to keep in-person contact to a minimum.

But for many americans, the isolating nature of the pandemic has exacerbated the so-called "holiday blues".

According to the national alliance for mental illness, sixty-four percent of people with a mental illness report that the holidays make their conditions worse.

Dr. eve nite with erlanger behavioral health says that the holiday season during the pandemic has highlighted what she calls a mental health emergency.

"the fact of the matter is we have an emergency.

Just like we're having an emergency with our physical health, we're having an emergency with our mental health.

We're seeing an increase in crises, and we need to be taking precautions, just like we're taking precautions to safeguard our physical health, we need to take precautions to safeguard our mental health."

Dr. nite says that there are things you can do if you feel isolated during the holidays, and emphasizes that stress mitigation strategies like taking a walk through the sunshine is just as important for your health as eating healthy foods or supplementing with vitamins.

"stress mitigation strategies that you're doing every single day, you should be doing that much like your taking your vitamins, eating healthy, washing your hands, social distancing, wearing a mask.

You should also be doing stress mitigation strategies.

That can include breathing exercises, that can include progressive muscle relaxation, it can include just going out and taking a walk."

Nite also says that doing what you can to call loved ones virtually during the holidays is essential for maintaining a positive attitude.

Reporting in