Editor’s Note: The transcript of this live Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.AUSTIN (KXAN) -- As the state prepares to give an update on Tuesday on whether the measles outbreak has infected more Texans. More people have started to become on edge as the numbers continue to climb.
KXAN Midday anchors Avery Travis and Will DuPree spoke to Thrivework's Licensed Professional Counselor Catherine Atkinson-Greenhaw on how to manage the stress and anxieties that come from contagious diseases. Avery Travis: We know that Thriveworks actually has some research that shows contagious diseases such as the measles, are causing anxiety in 32% of Americans. And so talk to us about how you're seeing that show up in your own clients.
What are they saying? And is this something that's cropping up here in Austin area?Catherine Atkinson-Greenhaw: I am definitely seeing a lot of my clients, a lot of my older and also some of my younger just have worries about I think they reflect back with COVID, and I think large outbreaks are typically associated with that. So I'm seeing a lot of adults kind of just be a little hesitant and kind of worried about it, and especially with job security and and stuff like that. And then kids, obviously, with isolation, again, just worries about that.
Will DuPree: When somebody expresses their stress or trepidation or anxiety related to a contagious disease like the measles, how do you advise them to deal with that?Greenhaw: Yeah, I mean, it's absolutely norm.