KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Extension of stay-at-home orders, and the associated uncertainty of when they will end, can tax our mental health, according to Kansas City-area professionals.
"When we receive a date for the end of a stay-at-home order it gives us more certainty and makes us feel comfortable. When that changes, our anxiety goes up," says Dr. Jennifer Osborne of the Truman Medical Centers' Behavioral Health Department.
Experts are also concerned about what they call maladaptive behaviors, for those vulnerable to depressive symptoms.
"It is a natural go-to in a time with heightened anxiety and cause for concern," said Dr. Chris Sexton of the Kansas City Center for Anxiety Treatment. "I think that it is something that has the potential to increase problematic drinking and drug use."
These are stressful times for everyone as the stay-at-home order in Kansas City was extended to May 15, but there are certain coping mechanisms that experts say you can use at home for you and your families.
"Getting fresh air, or speaking with someone on the phone. Implementing healthy habits with diet and exercise. Taking meditation practice," Osborne said.
Mental health professionals stress that this is a shared experience — and that can ease the mental burden.
"That common humanity piece of knowing we're in it together, we need each other," Osborne said.
"Self-compassion and self-care is really important. This is a new experience for all of us and being able to meet feelings and emotions we're having with acceptance and allow ourselves some grace is an important part of managing symptoms," Sexton said.
