By Danny R. Johnson/Washington, DC Correspondent
WASHINGTON–The COVID-19 pandemic may be stressful and incredibly worrisome for many people, including many of you who are reading this article. Click here to learn about the cbd benefits to fight this condition.
Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children, particularly during uncertain times, this is why we recommend the top weighted blankets you can order online by visiting www.weightedblankets4u.com. Which makes it even more important to take care of your mental health during the coronavirus emergency. The CDC reminds everyone that everybody reacts differently to a stressful situation. Your response to a situation may be completely different than another family member or co-worker’s due to a number of factors. However, according to the CDC, there are groups of people who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:
· Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19
· Children and teens
· People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors, health care providers, or first responders
· People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use
The CDC listed stress factors that can occur during an infectious disease outbreak:
· Fear and worry about one’s health and the health of 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
The good news for all of us is that there are behaviors that may help you reduce stress and take care of your mental well-being.
ADULTS The CDC stated one of the ways to reduce stress during an outbreak is to share the facts about COVID-19 and understand the actual risk to yourself and people you care about. When you share accurate information about the novel coronavirus you can help make others feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them, which actually makes a lot of sense.
Aside from learning about the outbreak, partaking in family activities while working at home that brings one joy as well as talking with people you trust about your feelings is recommended by the CDC.
The CDC also notes that it is important to take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories since continuously hearing about a pandemic without a break can be upsetting. Although it is important to stay informed, people can become more distressed if they see repeated images of a disaster in the media.
The CDC also highlights the correlation between taking care of your body and your mental health. Taking deep breaths, stretching or meditating can help ease your stress while you work at home.
The CDC also recommends trying to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, and avoiding alcohol and drugs as much as possible.
CHILDREN AND TEENS
Parents who are also looking after the emotional well-being of children or teens can take certain measures to try and alleviate their stress which proposes enormous challenges.
According to the CDC, it is important to keep in mind that children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them, and influences from their peers.
Most behavior experts agree when parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children.
Just like adults, not all children and teens react to stress in the same manner due to their growing psychological and puberty stages. Some children react right away, while others may show signs of difficulty much later, and may tend to pretend they are okay. How a child reacts and the common signs of distress can be different depending on their age, previous experiences, and how the child typically copes with stress, the CDC notes.
Some of the signs that your child or teen may be stressed 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 they previously enjoyed
· Unexplained headaches or body pain
· Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
If you believe a child or teen may be stressed or overwhelmed by the coronavirus pandemic, the CDC recommends ways to support them, including:
· Taking the time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, you should answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
· Reassuring them that they are safe. Let them know it is alright if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
· Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
· Trying to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
· Be a role model. How? According to the CDC, by taking breaks, getting plenty of sleep, exercising, and eating well. Remember to connect with friends and family members.
