Allen County health experts say mental health disturbances in response to COVID-19 are expected

Fort Wayne city officials came together with health experts to share mental health resources that are available throughout the community.

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City officials and health experts met today to discuss the impact that covid-19 is having on mental health.fox 55's jeremy masukevich tells us what resources are available for those experiencing anxiety throughout the fort wayne community.

Nat henry 31:50 it's a lonely period for many of us, but you are not alone.nat lisa 32:16 the added stress and anxiety that we are experiencing is going to be normalallen county health experts say there are a number of factors that can lead to mental health disturbances as a result of covid-19.?lower third: laura murphy, park center vp of child & adult services sot laura 37:53worry that is difficult to control, maybe some mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances, physical body aches, an increase in substance use, and changes in your focus and concentration.

Doctor jay fawver with the parkview behavioral health institute says in many cases practicing social distancing can quickly lead to social isolation.?lower third: jay fawver, parkview behavioral health institute sot fawver 44:59we have known for decades that social isolation is a key component and an exacerbation of mental health disturbances.

Groups like headwaters counseling, park center, and the bowen center are providing telehealth options such as counseling or support groups to help manage the changes in daily routines.?lower third: lisa smith, mental health america of northeast indiana sot lisa 34:05doing those simple things like talking to your children.

They are also being impacted by this circumstance, and there are resources available.lisa smith with mental health america of northeast indiana says that the social isolation that comes with the stay-at-home order will affect everyone in some way and that we should be aware of how those around us are being impacted.sot fawver 47:56the test of any community's resilience is how well it responds in the face of adversity.and mayor tom henry's message on mental health to the fort wayne community...?lower third: tom henry, mayor of fort wayne sot henry 31:21making sure that the public is acutely aware that there are people and organizations in our community who are out there to help them through these troubling times.

In fort wayne, jeremy masukevich, fox 55 news