WATCH: Here's when Bay Area air quality will improve and rain may move in
Here's when Bay Area air quality will improve
From behind closed windows, Castro resident John Goldsmith enjoys the sound of the first signs of normalcy coming from the restaurant across from his apartment.
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"I enjoy seeing the outdoor diners here. It's heartening. They've been busy since they opened outdoors. It's great to see people enjoying it and glasses clinking. I welcome that,' said John Goldsmith.
A combination of COVID-19, fires and now the smoke is keeping him inside longer than usual.
"Yesterday, I had a headache all day long, and it was from the pollution. But also anxiety and stress-induced and a lack of exercise," described Goldsmith.
LIVE: Track air quality levels impacted wildfire smoke
Doctor of clinical psychology Andrea Zorbas is seeing an increase in patients reporting headaches and signs of depression. The poor air quality is to blame.
"In Seattle, Washington where it's raining all the time people get seasonal affective disorder and that is a form of depression caused by clouds, rain, fog and we are kind of experiencing that now," said Zorbas.
Zoe Young and John Perovich are relying on each other.
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"On the edge of a crisis at any time and the other person has to be the comforter or the comforted," said Young.
Dr. Zorbas recommends reaching out to a family friend or family member or pick up a hobby during these smoky days.
WATCH:Bay Area shrouded in smoke as Northern California wildfires rage
Bay Area shrouded in smoke as Northern California wildfires rage
"Find ways to sort of entertain yourself while you're home. Now is the time to try the recipe you haven't tried," said Zorbas.
We met Shawn O-hearn doing just that. On a regular Saturday, he would be at the beach. Not today.
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"Instead what are you doing today? I'm going to work on a puzzle, I'm going to read some books, bake and cook and do things in my kitchen that I love doing," said O-hearn.
TAKE ACTION: Get help with mental health issues
He hadn't left the house in 3 days, but tonight he made a quick exception to share on the joy.
"They are my favorite cookies. And so I make them all the time," said O-hearn while sharing his fresh baked cookies.
The air quality is projected to improve on Monday.
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