The importance of checking in on each other during a pandemic
and last updated 2021-01-11 14:11:01-05
Nearly 10 months into a global pandemic, many Americans are dealing with intense anxiety and depression under the pressures of isolation, prompting psychology experts to urge people to check-in with friends and family members on a regular basis.
All of it has given the phrase "how are you doing?â a more important placement in our daily dialogue, says Vanderbilt University Psychology Professor Craig Smith.
"A lot of people are feeling lonely and isolated, especially if they're following guidelines. So, having someone check-in with them and ask, 'How are you doing?' part of the message that sends is, 'I'm thinking of you, I care about you,'" Smith said.