In the midst of the coronavirus epidemic, where new cases are still being confirmed daily (albeit at a lesser rate) and many Pennsylvanians are unemployed and isolated, the topic of mental health has been pushed to the spotlight.

But when it comes to mental health awareness in general, “people are not as aware as they could be,’’ said Tina Clymer, administrator at Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services.

“It only really becomes a concern for people when they have a crisis or a problem that comes up,” Clymer said.

The global pandemic served as such a catalyst. When the crisis caused a nearly nationwide shutdown in March, many experts warned that the situation could take a toll on individuals and families, both monetarily and mentally.

And people might not even be aware that their mental health is being affected, Clymer pointed out.

“Anxieties are increasing, depression increases, and I think that people are afraid to talk about it, because they don’t know that it’s a normal reaction,” she said.

“Every single one of us is being affected,” Clymer said. Some days, you might wake up and feel fine. Others, you might struggle to get out of bed.

“It’s just on that continuum,” she said.

Being able to take inventory of oneself and identify mental health struggles is an important first step, Jennifer Williams, deputy mental health administrator at Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Developmental Services, noted.

“We have to be able to recognize when those things are coming up, like our anxiety, or our emotions, or anger, or depression and remember when it is just a moment, and when it is something that is impacting us in a greater way, and then be able to reach out for help,” Williams said.

Another necessary practice is self-care. Considered by some as just a buzzword, Williams said things like hiking, hobbies and spending time with friends and family are vital to taking care of one’s mental health.

“The reality is that those outlets create a safe space for us and a release for us,” she said. “The more we incorporate that into our daily lives, the less likely that these daily stresses will really overwhelm us.”

In Carbon County specifically, Clymer noted, “there does seem to be a mentality of ‘we’ll take care of ourselves, we’ll figure it out,’?” but there is also power in challenging it.

“I feel like if we could overcome that, and maybe get people to recognize that it’s OK to struggle, it’s OK to get help when you struggle, that would be a really great thing,” she said.

If you’ve been struggling with your mental health and need help, resources can be found at Carbon-Monroe-Pike Mental Health and Development Services website, at www.cmpmhds.org.

The State Department of Human Services support and referral helpline designed to help residents deal with the coronavirus pandemic and any anxiety or emotions stirred by it can be reached at 855-284-2494.