Managing Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19 outbreak

It is natural to experience different and strong emotions during and after a disaster situation. The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. In the wake of COVID- 19 outbreak, monitor your physical and mental health. Take care of yourself and each other, and know when and how to seek help. 

Signs of Stress during an outbreak can include: 

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved one's 

• Difficulty in concentrating

• Excessively worry or fear about something bad happening.

• Nightmares or recurrent thoughts about the situation

• change in appetite, energy, and activity levels. 

• difficulty in concentrating 

• Worsening of chronic health problems.

• increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. 

Take the following steps to manage stress and anxiety:

• Avoid too much exposure to the news. Hearing and reading about pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories.

• Eat healthy meals, meditate, take deep breaths, and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and drugs. 

• Share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member.

• Make time to unwind. try to do some other activities you enjoy.

• Stay informed for updates by listening to, or reading the news from officials only. 

• Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like your local government authorities. 

• Reduce Stress in yourself and others by sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about. 

• People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms 

Talk to a counselor at Mind Health Clinic, if your mental health is being impacted by the stress of the coronavirus.