Mental Health During the Coronavirus

Two professionals discuss going out and virus anxiety

Some people will be reluctant to gather in large groups, even if restrictions are lifted.

BY MARINE ELIA

As summer comes to a close, we asked two mental health professionals about virus anxiety, going out in public, and encouraging folks around you to take precautions. We also invited them to give their predictions on daily life once the pandemic comes to a close. Erin Bircher, a licensed therapist and life coach, is the owner and founder of Foundations4Change in Cary. Amy Quinn is a psychologist at Grew, Morter & Hartye in Raleigh. 

Will the coronavirus change the way people think about viruses and germs in general? 

Bircher: I’ve already seen an increase in anxiety in terms of going out, everything takes a lot more of a conscious effort. You go to the grocery store and people are more conscientious of how close they’re standing to other people. You’re not touching a lot of things, you just pick up the things you need. Whereas before you would just walk into the store and there’s not that much anxiety or thought put into it. I feel like people are much more exhausted in terms of how much they’re having to think about what they’re doing, what they’re touching, who they’re around. I think there will be a heightened level of anxiety: who’s going to be standing too close to people, touching people, maybe people aren’t going to want to get into elevators or touch hand railings as much.