During this time of increased stress and anxiety in our community the more information we have, the better. Listed below are several resources and informational tools to assist in navigating this difficult time.
In addition to taking precautions against spreading and exposure to COVID-19, there are also measures to alleviate its psycho-social impacts:
- Increased stress/anxiety about catching COVID-19, or its spread to others (e.g., loved ones), including coping with uncertainty about what could happen.
- Loss of face-to-face contact with social supports (e.g., friends and family) due to “social distancing” or quarantine measures.
- Due to isolation at home (e.g., loneliness, boredom, frustration, hopelessness), significant disruption to interpersonal/social rhythms and your schedule of daily activities (e.g., who you see and converse with, exercising, and recreational activities such as a sporting event or going to a restaurant).
- Stress from changes to your financial situation due to work outages, job security, and the overall economic situation (e.g. stock market).
- Concerns about being able to take care of your kids (e.g., if they are out of school and you are not off work).
While phone or internet-based audio-video conversations can help with some issues, it is important to be proactive and educate yourself on the full range of options that can help ensure your well-being. The links to articles and internet sites below help with this.
General
US Dept. Health and Human Services, SAMHSA
Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health During an Infectious Disease Outbreak
https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4894.pdf
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources
https://www.nami.org/getattachment/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2020/NAMI-Updates-on-the-Coronavirus/COVID-19-Updated-Guide-1.pdf?lang=en-US
Stress/Anxiety
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Manage Anxiety and Stress, Stress and Coping
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html
US Dept. Health and Human Services, SAMHSA
Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks
https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4885.pdf
Children
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
Talking to Children about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
https://www.aacap.org/App_Themes/AACAP/Docs/latest_news/2020/Coronavirus_COVID19__Children.pdf
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with the Coronavirus Disease 2019
https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf
National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
Talking to Children about COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/talking-to-children-about-covid-19-(coronavirus)-a-parent-resource
