COVID-19: Stress Management and Mental Health

This Holiday Season Do What’s Best for You and Your Loved Ones

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
  • Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes.
  • Anger or short-temper.
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Ways to support yourself:

  • Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
  • Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs. Learn more about wellness strategies for mental health. 
  • Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.  Try taking in deep breaths. 
  • Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
  • Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
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Reduce stress in yourself and others

  • Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful.
  • When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them.
  • Learn more about taking care of your emotional health.

Make sure you are prioritizing your overall wellness and taking steps to reduce stress and anxiety. Tips to reduce anxiety and stress include trying to keep things in perspective, getting the facts from reliable sources, communicating with your children or family and loved ones, and keeping connected with your support system.

Information for parents regarding COVID-19: 

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.

Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

  • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
  • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
  • Excessive worry or sadness
  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
  • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
  • Poor school performance or avoiding school
  • Difficulty with attention and concentration
  • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
  • Unexplained headaches or body pain
  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
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There are many things you can do to support your child:

  • Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
  • Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
  • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
  • Try to keep up with regular routines. With schools closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
  • Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Here are resources on activities for parents and children to do while staying home:

Davie Wellness Center’s Virtual Wellness Kit:

COVID-19 Stress Management and Mental Health Resources:

  • Optum has a toll-free 24-hour Emotional Support Help Line at 866-342-6892 for people who may be experiencing anxiety or stress around COVID-19.
Cardinal Mental Health Phone Number