COVID 19 Coping Techniques

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on everyone’s lives and many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful and overwhelming.

Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely which can increase stress and anxiety.

Stress can 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

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during this pandemic but finding coping strategies to help you cope in a healthy way can build resilience in adults and children. Below are some ways you can help yourself, family, friends, colleagues and others in your community to manage stress.

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. It’s good to be informed but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be upsetting.

• Try to eat healthy, well balanced meals

• Exercise regularly

• Get plenty of rest

• Avoid excessive alcohol and tobacco

• Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your healthcare provider.

• Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.

• Connect with others by phone, email, video call if you cannot meet face 2 face.

• Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.

If you are struggling to cope, there are many ways to get help:

The Samaritans – call 116 123

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247

Mind – 0300 1233393