Experts have long warned of an impending mental health crisis brought on by the pandemic, but the pair had words of encouragement for those struggling to deal with the on-going levels of worry and fear.

“One of the things that I’ve found most helpful, for everybody, is to set a routine,” said Dr Van Kerkhove. “Every day do something that makes you happy, whether it’s reading a book or listening to music or calling your friends and talking to your friends.” 

“We want physical distance but we still want people to be socially connected. Keeping that connection is really important.”

Remembering that you are not alone can also help alleviate those feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, said Dr Kestel.

These feelings don’t discriminate between people or age groups, she said. “We don’t know what is happening. We’re afraid of getting sick, of losing somebody or dying” 

“It’s every age group and every social group that will be affected from this perspective and of course it will depend on how you can manage that and overcome those challenges.”

“This is difficult for everybody. Everybody is going through this. It is new, it is challenging,” agreed Dr Van Kerkhove. But the most important thing is “to acknowledge that it is okay to not be okay right now.” 

“We will get through this and we will get through this together,” she said.

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