Caring for Your Mental Health
Feelings of worry, irritability and low mood are normal during an infectious disease pandemic, like COVID-19. The added stress can affect people even when they are not in an area greatly impacted by the disease or have little to no risk of getting sick. In times like these, it is important to be aware of how stress is affecting you and your loved ones.
What can you do to deal with uncertainty?
The response to the COVID-19 is a fluid and evolving situation with many unknowns. It can be easy to become overwhelmed and feel the stress caused by uncertainty. Separating what is in your control from what is not is a healthy way to cope. You can:
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Set boundaries with the amount of time you spend watching the news. Consider going to websites, such as the CDC, Coronavirus in California and ShastaReady.org, where you can get information on your own terms, instead of getting caught up in the constant news cycle.
- Take breaks from social media and/or commit to using it only to stay in touch with friends or loved ones.
- Redirect your energy to helping out others. Helping someone in their time of need benefits both the supporter and the helper. Find creative ways to connect and assist others while practicing social distancing.
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Know who you can turn to and help you deal with the stress. If you are having difficulty getting in touch with your circle of support, you can call the California Peer-Run Warmline for emotional support (non-emergency) or the Disaster Distress Line to be connected with a trained crisis counselor. Both hotlines are free.