The effects of COVID-19 on the general public can run far beyond the possibility of contracting the disease. Jackson Physician Dr. Brent Blue points out that depression is one of the side effects of social distancing. Interaction with friends, family, fellow workers, and even strangers on the street is important for our mental health. And while keyboard social media like Facebook can help, voice telephone calls and video calls are much more important. Dr. Blue urges everyone to call family and friends regularly to have that verbal interaction. It is even a great time to catch up with folks who you have not talked to in a long time.While activities like writing that short story you have always wanted to get done or cleaning out the basement or finally washing the dog are good, they are not the activities that will help ward off the isolation, loneliness, and depressive thoughts. Social distancing he says, will be over at some point, but in the meantime, use that telephone, Skype, Facetime, Zoom, or whatever platform you like to verbally interact with your friends and family for the sake of mental health.
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