Dear Carolyn,

Can COVID-19 please be over, please? I feel claustrophobic, depressed, and I am drinking more alcohol than I should. My husband and I are fighting. I am yelling at the kids. Help!

 

Carolyn Answers,

Please knows that you are not alone in your mental health reaction to COVID-19. Your story is more common than you think. Perhaps we are beginning to conquer the pandemic with vaccines, and I urge you to get a vaccine protocol at the first available opportunity. That vaccine will make you more secure in your daily activities.

My next suggestion is to take time for a balanced diet and an exercise program, both of which are mood stabilizers. Take your time for exercise away from the family as a respite for you. As part of the diet, start writing down what you are eating and drinking. Try to limit your alcohol to one drink on some days, or stop drinking if this is a problem. The yelling suggests you are genuinely under substantial stress. You may consider professional counseling.

Readers, May is Mental Health Awareness month. The theme for 2021 is “Tools 2 Thrive.” A goal is resiliency! One of the “Tools 2 Thrive” is creating healthy routines. Another is eliminating toxicity. We all have had to face the tragic reality of COVID, and we all must go forward.

 

Send your questions on family law and divorce matters to “Ask Carolyn…” at askcarolyn@rhinotimes.com, or P.O. Box 9023, Greensboro, NC  27427.  Please do not put identifying information in your questions.  Note that the answers in “Ask Carolyn” are intended to provide general legal information, and the answers are not specific legal advice for your situation.  The column also uses hypothetical questions.  A subtle fact in your unique case may determine the legal advice you need in your individual case.  Also, please note that you are not creating an attorney-client relationship with Carolyn J. Woodruff by writing or having your question answered by “Ask Carolyn…”