AMES — As the pandemic continues, Iowans may feel as if the isolation and loneliness will never end. However, there are ways to make these challenging times feel as “normal” as possible and to stay connected with others while social distancing.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in collaboration with COVID Recovery Iowa, will begin offering the online program, “Loneliness and Isolation in a Pandemic,” to provide education about how to manage and process these feelings.

“The COVID 19 pandemic has created a great deal of uncertainty about the future and a sense of loneliness and isolation. It is important as we navigate this time that we understand how we are feeling and recognize we have options,” said Diane Eischeid, a crisis/outreach counselor with COVID Recovery Iowa and ISU Extension and Outreach.

ISU Extension and Outreach will offer “Loneliness and Isolation in a Pandemic” at noon on Dec. 10. The program will last for approximately one hour. There is no charge.

Register for this session at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/event_details/17070. Participants will receive a unique URL prior to the program to access the Zoom hosted program.

Eischeid and crisis/outreach counselor Andrea Gustafson will lead the program.

For more information, contact Andrea Gustafson at andreag3@iastate.edu or Diane Eischeid at dianee@iastate.edu.

Other resources

• Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment.

• COVID Recovery Iowa offers a variety of services to anyone affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Virtual counselors provide counseling, activities, referral information and help finding resources for any Iowan seeking personal support. Iowans of all ages may join groups online for activities and learn creative strategies for coping with the effects of the pandemic. COVID Recovery Iowa will announce upcoming programs on the website and via all social media to help Iowans build coping skills, resilience and emotional support. To request support, go to https://www.COVIDrecoveryiowa.org.