Health experts discuss how to deal with family stress and isolation amid COVID-19



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She encourages people to find a hobby at home, be it knitting, painting, or doing puzzles.

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Mental health professionals say they have been keeping busy with patients as the coronavirus creates tension among some families.

“Dynamic family questions, how to deal with increased family stress, increased children’s behavior, many, many different things,” says Christina Smestad, Mental Health Professional, The Village Family Service Center.

They say it is important for families to find a space in their home where they can spend a moment alone.

“Take breaks during the day with each other, especially with distance learning with parents as teachers, give children breaks there and let them run outside. I think it allows them to have a little bit of separation time, ”she says.

For people going through COVID-19 alone, distraction is key.

“Try doing some breathing exercises, meditation, going for a walk, sunbathing, socializing with your friends and family through the Internet. Because even though they call it social distancing, it really is physical distancing. We don’t have to isolate ourselves socially, “adds Smestad.

Smestad wants parents to stop putting pressure on themselves.

“Not focus so much on day to day, the things that need to be done and the things that are accumulating, but only on making my children feel loved and safe,” he says.

The Village Family Center will be closed until May 31, but services will continue to be provided through telehealth.



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