ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Twenty months into a global pandemic, many people feel like they may need help managing their mental health for the first time in their life.

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Marriage and family therapist Cherlette McCullough said the mental impacts of COVID-19 are glaring.

“People are saying their emotions are all over the place,” she said.

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McCullough said most people are in survival mode right now just trying to get through each day, one step at a time.

The added stress is keeping many people from doing things that bring them joy, leading to even bigger issues in their lives.

READ: Counseling resources continue to expand in Orlando amid spike in pandemic depression

McCullough said it’s time to seek help “when you find that you’re always irritable, when you’re finding yourself just mad — you wake up mad, you go to bed mad, when you find that you can’t rest.”

McCullough said there are things you can do on your own to manage your emotions and stress:

• Get more sleep, or try meditation if you’re struggling to sleep.
• Make a routine: Turn off all electronics at a specific time and focus on letting yourself rest.
• If talk therapy isn’t working, medication might.

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VIDEO: Counseling resources continue to expand in Orlando amid spike in pandemic depression Counseling resources continue to expand in Orlando amid spike in pandemic depression

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