The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people practice social distancing, or limiting their exposure to other people, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 to vulnerable people like those with underlying health conditions or the elderly.

Social distancing can look like working from home, staying six feet away from people in public or avoiding social gatherings.

Limiting your exposure around other people is beneficial, but Crisis Services Executive Director Jessica Pirro says coming up with a way to deal with less physical social interaction is recommended.

“It is important for us to pay attention to social distancing from a preventative measure. But what’s important to know is that doesn’t mean you can’t interact with other people,” Pirro said. “It’s just how you are then interacting and how you are physically associated with that person when you’re interacting.”

Try to keep as a normal routine as possible while still making sure to practice social distancing, video call friends or family, and reach out if you need help, said Pirro.

Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, for resources to cope with behavioral health amid COVID-19.

Mental Health Advocates of WNY released a 10-step plan to ease anxiety as well.

Crisis Services operates a 24-hour, 7-day hotline at 716-834-3131 or visit their website.

To find more resources around mental health in Erie County, visit their website.

Mental Health Advocates of WNY released a comprehensive resource guide for the community which includes information to mental health services, activities for kids, food banks and more.