FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. (WXYZ) — We’re Open Detroit. 7 Action News is spotlighting the businesses that are sending out that message, serving us as we all work to get through this pandemic.
If you are feeling stressed, isolated, and need someone to talk to, a local psychologist is sending out word she is open.
Dr. Laurel Sills, Psy.D says to call what we are experiencing stressful is an understatement. There is a virus that is spreading around the globe - claiming lives, shutting downs businesses, and overwhelming health systems.
“This is real stuff. We have lost our freedom. it is a feeling of doom and gloom. It is going to leave people with PTSD,” said Dr. Sills.
She normally practices ather Farmington Hills office, but for now is offering tele-therapy.
“If you are feeling a need to come in and you physically can’t this is the next best thing. This is just how we are coping with what the new normal is for now,” said Dr. Sills.
She says she is worried that people are struggling far more than normal as they deal with the stress of isolation or the fear of being on the front lines fighting the virus. They are facing economic uncertainty and sometimes due to this virus illness and the loss of loved ones.
She said that getting help is not an indication of weakness, it is a way to stay strong.
“We are all in it together. We are all afraid. And people say you are a psychologist how can you be afraid. Because I am human. I believe in normalizing this anxiety. I am not crazy because I am anxious. I am real, because we are all going to have waves of this anxiety when reality hits,” said Dr. Sills.
The job of a therapist to help you cope. You can connect with Dr. Sills at http://www.laurelsills.com. Your insurance may cover some of the costs.
The State of Michigan has also just announced new hotline for anyone needing mental health support. You can call 888-PEER-753.
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Read our daily Coronavirus Live Blog for the latest updates and news on coronavirus.
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help metro Detroit restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
See all of our Helping Each Other stories.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.