HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL - Mental health experts say the coronavirus is contributing to more cases of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Natasha A. Pierre is the Vice President of NAMI Hillsborough and said the agency is receiving more calls from people who are suffering from trauma.
"It's a human response to something that is distressing and disturbing and challenges their overall well being. That's financial, emotional, mental, psychological, physical health," Pierre said.
NAMI has hundreds of centers around the country.
Pierre wants to remind people that it doesn't matter what a person's age is or what their living situation is like, their stress is just as valid as the next.
"Trauma is whatever is traumatic for you. Some people will be on a ventilator and they will feel nothing. They will be happy to be home and then there are going to be people who remember how that felt," Pierre said. "I have heard from people who are financially stable. They're not concerned about that, but they are far away from their children and they can't see their children."
NAMI Hillsborough offers remote support groups, but that's not the only resource available. Pierre said there are things people can do on their own to help ease stress and anxiety.
"Get the resources that work for you. That may mean journaling, playing with puppies. It may mean meditation. Whatever works for you," Pierre said.
For help call NAMI's toll-free hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text "NAMI" to 741-741. For more resources visit's NAMI's website.