Fear and uncertainty can cause strong emotions in children and adults and can manifest in more ways than you might think. Normal reactions to fear and uncertainty include:
- Anxiety, Increased worry
- Not wanting to be separated from loved ones
- Irritability, anger
- Fatigue, exhaustion
- Sadness, crying
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns, including nightmares
- Inability to concentrate, frequent errors, difficulty making decisions
- Confusion, forgetfulness
- Hyperactivity
- Physical complaints, diarrhea
- New or increased use of tobacco products, alcohol or other drugs
Take care of yourself, your friends and your family by identifying and using coping strategies that work for you. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.
Be mindful of your exposure to information
Get up-to-date information from trusted sources. You can find information from Loudoun County at
Loudoun.gov/coronavirus
.
Make sure you have access to media but limit excessive exposure
. If you’re feeling anxious, consider turning off social media feeds, automatic notifications and updates on COVID-19.
Identify feelings and talk about them
Identify the feelings you are experiencing.
Understand that your feelings are normal and talk about them with others
. Be sure not to isolate yourself. Personal relationships are crucial in maintaining perspective, elevating mood and allowing distraction away from concerns that trouble us.
Combat loneliness and keep talking by phone or video chat
.
