Dr. Stefanie Campbell, an internal medicine doctor at Kelsey-Seybold in Pearland, spoke with Community Impact Newspaper about the coronavirus’ effect on mental health. Mental illness as a response to the coronavirus can manifest itself in different ways, however, there are things people can do to stay their healthiest, she said. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Why is there a concern about mental health during this time?
There is a lot of anxiety associated with the virus itself. You’re worried about you own health and your family. There is a lot of uncertainties around it, and that always creates anxiety. Then of course, being alone in your home, even in the time of social media and Netflix [can create anxiety]. We are social people and this takes away a lot of coping mechanisms.
What are things people can do to keep themselves healthy mentally, especially while social distancing?
