Fox 19: Feeling down while homebound? You are not alone
UC psychologist offers tips for beating the blues during COVID-19
Fox 19 journalist Courtney King discussed mental health and the coronavirus’ impact with Maria Espinola, PsyD, assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Espinola, a license psychologist seeing patients at UC Health, explained that isolation is a risk-factor for mental health issues and physical.
“We are just social animals, we need that connection,” Espinola told Fox 19.
Espinola says she’s seen an increase in cases of depression since the Stay-at-Home orders went into effect, while many of those who already had the diagnosis have seen their symptoms worsen. “And then people who never had these challenges are now finding themselves experiencing high levels of stress and oftentimes depression,” she said.
Espinola offered some recommendations such as sticking to a regular routine every day. That structure can help manage some of the symptoms of isolation. “That means waking up at the same time, going to bed at the same time,” she said. “Engaging in healthy lifestyle choices, what you’re eating, making sure you are exercising.”
Related Stories
Sugar overload killing hearts
November 10, 2025
Two in five people will be told they have diabetes during their lifetime. And people who have diabetes are twice as likely to develop heart disease. One of the deadliest dangers? Diabetic cardiomyopathy. But groundbreaking University of Cincinnati research hopes to stop and even reverse the damage before it’s too late.
App turns smartwatch into detector of structural heart disease
November 10, 2025
An app that uses an AI model to read a single-lead ECG from a smartwatch can detect structural heart disease, researchers reported at the 2025 Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association. Although the technology requires further validation, researchers said it could help improve the identification of patients with heart failure, valvular conditions and left ventricular hypertrophy before they become symptomatic, which could improve the prognosis for people with these conditions.
Combination immunotherapy helps overcome melanoma treatment resistance
November 10, 2025
MSN highlighted research led by the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's Trisha Wise-Draper showing a combination of immunotherapy medications can activate a robust immune response and help overcome treatment resistance in patients with refractory melanoma.