Fear, anxiousness, panic, loneliness, irritability, anger, distrust, unexplained sadness, feelings of being overwhelmed—these are all emotional reactions to a difficult experience. Headaches, tiredness, changes in appetite, and stomach aches are all ways your body might react to stress over time. 

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The stress of the pandemic can affect your mental abilities by making it hard to think clearly, pay attention, solve problems, or remember things. You might notice the need to burn anxious energy by pacing or fidgeting. These reactions do not automatically mean you have a diagnosis. Mental health conditions are common and treatable. But sometimes needing support through a hard time is just that.

 

Some ways to manage stress in your children are to provide structured but undemanding home activities, monitor media exposure to disaster trauma, encourage expression through play, encourage discussion of their pandemic experiences and emotions, encourage physical activities, and avoid insistence on discussion of feelings with parents. Support adults by providing opportunity to talk about pandemic experiences in detail, encourage discussion of and expression of emotions, and assist in re-establishing social connections.

 

Beware of some behaviors that can be triggered by stressful events such as increased smoking or drinking or throwing items. If you or others are in danger due to stress reactions, seek professional help.

 

The world is full of challenges right now. If you or your loved one would like to receive support and guidance on how to manage through this hard time, call the 24/7 Hopeline at 1-800-567-4673. Or text 741 741.

 

You can also attend a free, virtual Pandemic Hope and Resilience Workshop for practical tools on how to manage prolonged stress and practice healthy coping during the pandemic. For ages 13 and up. Learn more and register at wecarepeople.org/registrations.