The 2019 coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) can be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about an ilness can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Dealing with stress is important to make you more satisfied and quiet to the people you care about.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. The way reacts to stress due to the pandemic depends on your history, the things that set you apart from other people and the community in wich you live. People who can respond most strongly to the stress of a crisis include:
- Older adults and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19;
- Children and adolescents;
- People who are helping to respond to COVID-19, such as doctors, nurses and other health professionals;
- People who have mental health problems, including problems with the use of substances;
Stress during an outbreak of infectious disease can include:
- Fear and concern for your own health and the health of your loved ones;
- Changes in sleep or eating problems;
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating;
- Worsening chronic health problems;
- Increased use of alcohol or other substances;
What to do if you experience symptoms?
You may be feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or feel that you want to be hurt, or hurt yourself, or that other people do.
- Take breaks when watching, reading or listening to news, including social media. Hear about pandemic repeatedly can be disturbing.
- Be careful with your body. Take a deep breath, stretch or meditate. Try to do healthy and well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to relax. Try to do other activities that you enjoy.
- Connect with other people. Talk to people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Ask for professional help if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
- Reduce your and others’ stress.
- Share the facts about COVID-19 and understand the real risk for you and the people you care about most can make an outbreak less stressful.
- By sharing accurate information about COVID-19, you can help people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them.
Pre-existing mental health problems
People with pre-existing mental health problems should continue with the treatment and be aware of new or aggravating symptoms.
Taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you deal with stress. To help other people dealing with stress can also strengthen those around them.
sofiavonhumboldtblog.com 