MENASHA (NBC 26) -- We're told to keep our distance, but what happens when that physical space affects us mentally?
"It increases anxiety, it increases depression, post traumatic stress," Dr. Frank Cummings, Psychology Associates of the Fox Cities, said. "Quarantine really harms people psychologically."
Dr. Cummings said we're social beings and need connections. During this time of isolation, we should make an effort to find them.
"It's okay to say I need you," he said. "I want to reach out, can we chat, can we do it over the phone, can we do it social media, or can we do it in person but we'll still keep our distance."
Dr. Cummings said his office is making those connections in several different ways. Other psychologists are also urging for connections in whatever way possible.
"Whether that be through a video chat or text messaging or even email or writing a letter," Dr. Ashley Sheeter, psychologist at Bellin Health, said. "Now is a perfect time to maybe reach out to those people you haven't talked to in a long time."
If you need someone to talk to, experts said to get in touch with your health care provider who can refer you to a counselor or psychologist.
"We've had a pretty big uptick in patients that have been reaching out to their primary care providers and then putting them in contact with us," Dr. Sheeter said.
