Better Ask Barry: How are other people coping?

SALINAS, Calif (KION) With schools and businesses closed, and the stay at home orders extended, there’s a very good chance you are going stir crazy. How do you cope with the isolation? Some channel their creativity through art.

"Yeah, I feel kinda locked away now that I have to be home and not go anywhere else," said high school senior Phaedra Hageman. “It’s just really disappointing and sad.  I was looking forward to going to senior ball and going to my graduation and just seeing my friends at the end of the year."

Now, thoughts of graduation are different than just a few weeks ago.

"It's a little bit darker, and they are sad,” explained Trish Fenton, a high school art teacher. “They are actually going a little stir crazy. They actually miss school and their teachers. Who would have thought?"

Now, with calendars cleared and lives at a standstill, there is not only time to paint, but more time to think. Clinical psychologists offer this advice:

• Allow yourself to worry for only a certain amount of time a day and then turn off the worry
• Get adequate sleep
• Try to connect with people during the day especially those who live alone and may feel isolated, like parents and grandparents
• Don't worry about things out of your control
• Concentrate on what you can control: Stay in, wash your hands, eat healthy foods and remain as active as possible.

As for Phaedra, our high school senior, she can celebrate a bit of bright news.

"I got my college acceptance letter from the school of art and design.”