Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones.
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
- Worsening of chronic health problems.
- Worsening of mental health conditions.
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
Response to Stress
- Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.
- The response to stress during the COVID-19 pandemic can depend on your background, your social support from family or friends, financial situation, health and emotional background, and many other factors.
- The changes that can happen because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways we try to contain the spread of the virus can affect anyone.
People and Stress
People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:
- People who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 (for example, older people, and people of any age with certain underlying medical conditions).
- Children and teens.
- People caring for family members or loved ones.
- Frontline workers such as health care providers and first responders,
- Essential workers who work in the food industry.
- People who have existing mental health conditions.
- People who have lost their jobs, or had other major changes to their employment.
- People who have disabilities or developmental delay.
- People who are socially isolated from others, including people who live alone, and people in rural or frontier areas.
Ways to cope up with stress
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Reach out to friends and family via phone or video chats.
- Write cards or letters to family members they may not be able to visit.
Take care of your mental health
- Mental health is an important part of overall health and well being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It may also affect how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices during an emergency.
- People with pre-existing mental health conditions or substance use disorders may be particularly vulnerable in an emergency. They should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.
Take care of your body
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate external icon.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs external icon.
Make time to unwind
- Try to do some other activities you enjoy..
Connect with others
- Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.