Managing mental health and coping with stress during and after an outbreak can be difficult. It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during these times. Everyone reacts differently, and your own feelings will change over time.
Notice and accept how you feel. Taking care of your emotional health during an emergency will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family. Self-care during an emergency will help your long-term healing.
Ways to cope:
1. Limit your screen time, turn off the news and social media.
2. Gather information from reliable sources
3. Help someone- simple acts of kindness go along way.
4. Maintain your daily routine as much as possible.
5. Exercise- get some fresh air and take your mind off things.
6. Spend quiet time reading and journaling. Write down what you are thankful for and acknowledge all your blessings.
7. Dont panic- step back, take a deep breath and keep calm.
People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms.
Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (www.samhsa.gov)website.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs 66746.
People with deafness or hearing loss can use their preferred relay service to call 1-800-985-5990
Look out for these common signs of distress:
• Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety or fear.
• Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares and upsetting thoughts and images.
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Anger or short-temper.
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
If you experience these feelings or behaviors for several days in a row and are unable to carry out normal responsibilities because of them, seek professional help.
Comments are closed.