ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The pandemic has brought out a variety of emotions.


What You Need To Know

  • Psychologist Dr. Steve O'Brien says reunions are helping some people toward a more positive emotional state

  • He adds that others are fearful of another COVID wave

  • BELOW: Tips on self-care, what to do in a crisis, seeking professional health

  • More Coronavirus headlines

As restrictions are lifted and guidance changes, those emotions are changing, too.

Psychologist Dr. Steve O'Brien says reunions are helping some people toward a more positive emotional state. Still, others are stressed.

Dr. O'Brien says he has seen an increase in depression. He says some people are anxious over a possible next wave of the virus.

Moving forward, he suggests avoiding extreme reactions, from feeling like there's always a threat to blind optimism.

"I encourage people to be in the middle and I like to call that mindfully optimistic -, where you have an optimistic disposition, a positive outlook but you still are aware and mindful that there’s some things to be concerned about. And you also have to be aware that people can be in different places emotionally and not to judge them,” he said.

He encourages continuing conversations about levels of comfort.

Use the video link above to see more of the interview with O'Brien and Spectrum News reporter Melissa Eichman.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Mental Health has the following posted about self-care, what to do in a crisis and when to seek professional help:

About Self-Care

Self-care means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. When it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.

Here are some tips to help you get started with self-care:

  • Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
  • Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
  • Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
  • Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
  • Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
  • Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
  • Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
  • Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
  • Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health.

For other ideas for healthy practices for your mind, body, surroundings, and relationships, see the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Wellness Toolkits.

What to Do in a Crisis

If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away or dial 911 in an emergency. You also can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1‑800‑273‑TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential.

Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates, or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline website or the Crisis Text Line website.

For additional information about suicide prevention, please see NIMH’s Suicide Prevention webpage.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek professional help if you are experiencing severe or distressing symptoms that have lasted two weeks or more, such as:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Appetite changes that result in unwanted weight changes
  • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning because of mood
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of interest in things you usually find enjoyable
  • Inability to perform usual daily functions and responsibilities

Don’t wait until your symptoms are overwhelming. Talk about your concerns with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a mental health specialist if needed. If you don’t know where to start, read the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet. Learn more about how to get help or find a provider on the NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.