COVID-19 and Coping with Stress

As we all know, chronic stress is bad for our overall wellbeing. Like many, it is natural to feel symptoms of stress, anxiety, and worry due to the COVID-19 pandemic but as we slowly return back to normal a new type of stress is introduced to adjust back. 

Stress could cause the following: 

• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Worsening of mental health conditions
• Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances

Health Ways to Deal with Stress: 

1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories including those on social media. 
   • Limit your news exposure for the day
2. Take care of your body.
   
   • Exercise, eat well, and get plenty of sleep
3. Make time to unwind.
   • Do activities you enjoy
4. Connect with others.
   • Talk with people you trust about your concerns
5. Connect with your community or faith based organizations. 
   • Connect online or through social media within your community

If you are struggling to cope, you can reach out to your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row. Extreme stress can lead to suicide intentions. Suicide is preventable and help is available. To read more about suicide, ways to spot suicide signs, and how to respond during these situations click here. 

If you need help more support, here are links with helpful resources and social support services available: 

• Food and Food System Resources During COVID-19 Pandemic
• Disaster Financial Assistance with Food, Housing, and Bills
• Coronavirus Resources for Renters
• US Department of Labor Coronavirus Resources