Social distancing does not mean social disconnection, Kathryn Burgum said Thursday, April 9.
All citizens can play a role in their own and others’ behavioral health, Burgum said. Participating in North Dakota’s daily COVID-19 update, the state’s first lady referred to her own nearly 20-year recovery from addiction and understanding of how critical personal connections are.
“My suggestion to everyone is to reach out to those that you know who may be struggling or even those you haven’t spoken to in a while,” Burgum said. “Reach out through social media. Just reach out and connect. It’s more important now than ever. It can make a huge difference.”
Burgum reminded residents of behavioralhealth.nd.gov/covid-19, which provides resources for coronavirus care, updates and more. Residents are able to find support and virtual meetings, ways to support youth health and means to manage personal behavioral health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), meanwhile, is advising all citizens to take simple methods to help with coronavirus fear.