In January, the first case of the CoronaVirus was reported in the United States. Since then, the virus has expanded beyond comprehension and has taken over the lives of people all across the world. With a global pandemic arising, everyone has reacted differently to the increasingly normalized circumstances of social distancing and isolation.

With the start of the government urging individuals to stay home, many have stocked up on items such as canned food and toilet paper to help prepare for the coming months of quarantine. While these actions may seed from well intentions, the consequences outweigh the benefits of panic buying and stockpiling. For instance, customers in stores and online have bought numerous medical masks for their households. Not only are the masks not needed in most cases but now this has caused a shortage of masks in places that need them most such as hospitals. Now, medical staff members are left to use other items to cover their faces to help protect themselves from the virus while simultaneously helping patients. To help local medical staff, consider donating needed supplies to hospitals.  

Alongside stress in health care services caused by the virus, many people with a mental illness have also suffered because of Corona, more specifically from the practice of social distancing. In order to prevent the spread of the virus, governments all over the world have been issuing stay at home orders that force people to remain inside their homes and limit contact with others whenever possible.With the issuing of these orders, those with mental health issues who once went outside to help cope with the negative thinking now struggle to find something else that helps. Even though going outside isn’t an option to help clear mindsets anymore there are tons of ways to help feel better mentally. For instance, cooking, doing arts and crafts, reading etc can help those who deal with mental health problems. Also, if you or anyone knows someone who has depression or anxiety, send them a text or give them a call to let them know that someone is there for them.

Going through a global pandemic is scary but it is important to know that we are all in this together. The best thing to do right now is to stay at home and keep updated on what is going on in the world. This will all be over eventually so for now enjoy the time at home with your family or friends.