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How Social Distancing Can Impact Your Mental Health

Dora Mekouar

   Socialdistancingand isolation can be hard,as New York Gov.Andrew Cuomo
   recently pointed out during a daily briefing on the status of COVID-19
   in his state.

   "Don't underestimate the personal trauma, and don't underestimate the
   pain of isolation. It is real," Cuomo said. "This is not the human
   condition -- not to be comforted, not to be close, to be afraid and you
   can't hug someone.'¦This is all unnatural and disorienting."

   Experts already know that years of loneliness or feelings of isolation
   can lead to anxiety,depressionand dementia in adults.A weakened immune
   system response, higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure, heart
   disease and a shorter lifespan can also result.

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