FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WFFT) - Allen County health experts said an increase in stress or anxiety because of COVID-19 is an expected response.

“Normal reactions you may be experiencing are; worry that is difficult to control, mood fluctuations, sleep disturbances, physical body aches, an increase in substance use, and changes in your focus and concentration,” said Laura Murphy, Park Center Vice President of Child & Adult Services.

On Wednesday, city officials came together with health experts to share mental health resources that are available throughout the Fort Wayne community.

“We have known for decades that social isolation is a key component and an exacerbation of mental health disturbances,” said Dr. Jay Fawver, Parkview Behavioral Health Institute. “Social isolation is a factor, but on the other hand, some individuals have to be closer to family members and that is increasing some tension that was already there.”

Allen County mental health resources:

-Mental Health America of Northeast Indiana promotes mental and emotional health through advocacy, education, support services, and hope. Call (260) 422-6441 for more information.

-Park Center is a comprehensive behavioral health provider with a goal of providing quality care and support to promote wellness and healing for clients of all ages and at every stage of recovery. Park Center services can be accessed by calling (260) 481-2700 and a 24/7 helpline is available at (260) 471-9440.

-Bowen Center is a non-profit Community Mental Health Center serving 28 Indiana counties and growing. Bowen Center strives to strengthen its communities and to improve the health and well-being of those it is privileged to serve.

-Headwaters Counseling provides compassionate, affordable mental health and substance abuse counseling in addition to essential EAP services to Fort Wayne and Allen County. Headwaters Counseling has added teletherapy (phone and video counseling) to serve current and new clients during the COVID-19 crisis. Call (260) 744-4326 to schedule an appointment.

-Look Up Indiana has been developed by The Lutheran Foundation to address mental and substance-abuse problems. It includes a 24-hour hotline at (877) 257-0208 and chat services.

-During the pandemic, the Parkview Behavioral Health Institute is here to support the community. For an initial screening, call the HelpLine at (260) 373-7500 or (800) 284-8439, 24 hours a day. Experienced specialists are available to guide you or your loved ones to the appropriate level of care, including virtual visits with a mental health professional.

“We are making sure that the public is acutely aware that there are people and organizations in our community who are out there to help them through these troubling times,” said Tom Henry, Mayor of Fort Wayne. “It's a lonely period for many of us, but you are not alone.”