With the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, stress and anxiety can be difficult to manage. Coping with stress during these times is essential for you and your loved ones. While stress can appear differently in everyone. According to the CDC on their website to help with anxiety and stress during the coronavirus, common signs of stress can include;
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Common changes to watch for in children include;
- Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
- Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
- Excessive worry or sadness
- Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
- Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
- Poor school performance or avoiding school
- Difficulty with attention and concentration
- Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
- Unexplained headaches or body pain
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
As important it is to know the signs, it is just as important to know the resources to help with stress and anxiety. Taking care of yourself during these times can seem difficult with orders to “Stay at Home” or “Shelter in Place”. We are fortunate to have resources online to help us through this unique time.
Health.com recently published an article “10 Virtual Therapy and Mental Health Apps to Cope With Coronavirus Stress” that has great options to explore while at home, https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/virtual-therapy-mental-health-apps. All apps suggested in the article are free to download, with some having in-app purchase options. If you currently have a behavior health physician that you work with, ask them if you can schedule an appointment via online video conference.
If you are having these feelings, please feel free to reach out by calling 509.444.8200 or learn more about our behavioral health services.
Additionally please keep in mind how to deal with stress and anxiety on a daily basis. Below is a graphic from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. You can also access more resources by visiting www.adaa.org.
by Mike Cardenas, Marketing Specialist
