COVID – 19 has produced anxiety and fears over the unknown on many aspects of our lives (work, family or friends, socialization at parties and other gatherings, sanitation and infection prevention, and fear of the disease itself). These events have forced us to think about things that make us sad, such as getting ill with the virus, potentially facing death (of friends and family members), changes in rules and even access to public and private places (such as libraries, day support activities, and parks).
This change to our daily schedules and our lives, brings natural heightening of anxieties in the best of people. It may add to the negative thoughts we have every day, and lead to feelings of anxiety, fear and loneliness. The challenge for each of us is to process this information without having it manage our lives. We need to find ways that ensure our health, safety and well-being each day.
Recognizing when you are feeling especially sad, lonely or depressed is very important. Reaching out to someone will help – It can be family, friends, a neighbor or even a stranger. You can do it online or by phone. Remember two things: these are normal feelings during pandemics and public health emergencies and secondly, you aren’t the only one with these feelings. All of us are feeling the same way, and trying to find the healthiest ways to cope with them as much as we can.
Description/Examples:
Disasters, Emergencies and Pandemics can create;
- Anxiety and fear of the unknown
- Feelings of loneliness because of lack of communication with others
- Changes in lifestyle
- No previous experience with a public health disaster such as this worldwide pandemic
- inadequate resources (food, medicine, access to safety equipment such as masks)
- Stress related to current events, and about what will happen in the future
Stress can include:
- Fear and worry about health (your own and your loved ones)
- Changes in sleep (can’t fall asleep, frequently waking up or sleeping all the time)
- Changes in eating patterns (eating too much or too little, or not eating at all)
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes
- Exacerbation or a worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
What you can do:
- Limit the time listening to, or reading about, Covid-19 information
- Do not focus on social media or false stories
- Protect yourself and your family by following the guidelines (staying home, social distancing and wearing masks)
- Stick to your usual schedule (eating meals, showering/bathing and sleeping)
- Wash your hands
- Keep you your work and home area clean
- Do something relaxing every day (yoga, exercise, listen to music, pray/ practice your faith, meditate)
- Stay in touch with friends and family by phone, FaceTime, Skype and other resources
