Coping With Emotional Stress

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

During these uncertain times it is not surprising to hear many are dealing with added stress and anxiety over the safety of themselves and their families as well as distress thinking about what will happen in the future. There are several things you can do to help cope during these difficult times.

Manage Your Stress

• Stay informed – refer to credible sources for updates but avoid being overloaded by information.
• Stay focused on your personal strengths
• Maintain a routine as much as possible
• Make time to relax, rest and even treat yourself

Be Informed 

• Avoid sharing unconfirmed news – aka Fake News
• Give honest, age appropriate information to children and remember to stay calm, children often feel what you feel.

Connect with you family

• Keep connected with family and friends. There are many options now with virtual meeting rooms, face time and of course social media
• Join community groups
• Accept help from family, friends, co-workers and others that are willing and able to help
• Reach out to neighbors and friends with special needs who may need your help.

Help OUT

• If you know someone affected personally call them to see how they are doing and remember to keep their confidentiality
• Consider what you can do to help others. Maybe arrange for a meal to be delivered to someone affected or who is unable to leave their home.

Be Sensitive

• Avoid blaming anyone or assuming someone has the disease because of the way they look, where they are from or the neighborhood, they live in.
• In kindness when you hear false rumors or negative stereotypes that foster racism and xenophobia, try to discourage those thoughts and redirect to something more positive.

If you or a loved one is having a particular hard time dealing with our current situation, please seek help from a professional. There is nothing wrong with admitting you need help.

Information was taken from Department of Mental Health