This time of isolation for seniors and children can lead to effects on their mental health
Health officials say seniors are a high-risk group for COVID-19, that's another reason for social distancing, but some are warning that too much isolation could be harmful as well.
Dr. Raila Horne, a neuropsychologist said, "People are staying away from seniors because they are afraid that they might be a carrier and expose the seniors to this." Health officials are trying to stop the coronavirus from spreading to seniors, who are a more vulnerable group. Horne said that most seniors she has spoken to are doing ok with what is happening in the community. But she did say, "We worry about the ones that are isolated and don't have family and friends in the area, don't have a way to go to the market, or live alone."
By protecting the elderly from the virus it can also be harming them on other levels. Kelly Lewallen, clinical director at Desert Marriage and Family Counseling said, "Oftentimes with seniors, we see more tendency towards depression and anxiety. And certainly, isolation makes that worse or can make that worse for people." A reason behind this Lewallen said is as people age, their organs age, and we don't produce as many hormones. She said we also don't produce all the chemicals that can make you happy. The older you get, the less ability you have to manage stress. In the same way of managing less physical stress, people manage less emotional stress as well.
During this time of uncertainty, many are facing, compassion is needed from the community. Lewallen said, "I recommend anyone who has seniors in their lives who they care about that they are contacting them on a regular basis. Not just to check in and say how are you but to share a funny joke or something they saw on tv that was funny or light-hearted." Horne also added that simple things can be helpful, "And when we go to the store, if we can pick up something for them."
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Children are at home now as well, with the potential of not being able to go back to school for the rest of the school year.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said, “I don’t anticipate schools are going to open up in a week. Please don’t anticipate in a few weeks.”
Many kids are spending hours on end at home, some still trying to understand why. In reference to how kids are feeling, Horne said, “Making sure that they are not feeling depressed or lonely or anxious and keeping that communication open and encouraging them to ask you questions or come to you when they are feeling sad or lonely about what’s going on.”
As parents, creating an open environment for how you are feeling can allow children to openly express how they are feeling as well. Lewallen said, “Another thing that’s really debilitating for children is when parents are stressed out. So making sure that parents are using healthy behaviors to manage stress. Which is typically being active, playing board games with their children, reading fun stores, watching uplifting shows.” Some of the signs parents should look out for include kids getting irritable, crying, throwing temper tantrums. In older children, Lewallen said signs include any kind of self-harm, troubles sleeping, changes in their eating pattern, either eating more or eating less.
Health officials strongly encourage outdoor time and establishing a new routine to mimic the routines kids had while going to school. Lewallen stated for parents to allow their kids to be, "Physically active, letting kids wear off those chemicals that happen in their brain, like cortisol that produce stress.”
Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.
Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.
Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:
Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.
