Talking mental health with U of M

The COVID-19 pandemic may be stressful for many Minnesotans, leading to fear, anxiety and other strong emotions. Tai Mendenhall , an associate professor in the College of Education and Human Development's Couple and Family Therapy Program, explains how the pandemic can affect the mental health of individual people, couples and families, as well as ways they can care for their overall well-being. Q: How can the pandemic impact a person's everyday well-being? - Prof. Mendenhall: Like with all things, the pandemic is affecting our surroundings, our interactions with others and even our own biology. For individuals, their response to stressors caused by a pandemic can vary. Physically, we may experience increased insomnia, headaches, or lethargy. Our appetites might be changing - gravitating toward lots of junk food, or to not eating at all. Psychologically, we may feel more irritable and short-tempered, sad or depressed, worried or scattered, keyed-up or on-edge.