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, if your mental health is being impacted by the stress of the coronavirus.