20 Top Ways to Deal with COVID-19 Stress and Anxiety
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Just Google “COVID-19 Stress” and you’ll find hundreds of articles already. This crisis has changed we think, feel, and act in uncountable ways.
1. Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak
“In January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of a new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. WHO stated that there is a high risk of COVID-19 spreading to other countries around the world. In March 2020, WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.” - World Health Organization (WHO), Mar 18,, 2020
“The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.” - CDC
“The societal disruptions caused by the coronavirus can take their toll on our mental health. USC experts offer insight into how to reduce stress during a global pandemic.” -Gary Polakovic, USC News, Mar 31, 2020
“For some couples, being stuck inside together in their own little bubble for a few weeks sounds like a dream come true. But for other couples, this could be their worst nightmare. From what I hear, some couples quarantined together are already losing their minds — and we’ve got a long way to go, people!” - by Ashley Laderer, The TalkSpace Voice, Mar 23, 2020
“Fears about COVID-19 can take an emotional toll, especially if you’re already living with an anxiety disorder. But you’re not powerless. These tips can help you get through this stressful time.” - HelpGuide, Mar 31, 2020
“Have you been noticing a spike in your stress as a result of COVID-19? If so, you certainly aren’t alone. Pandemics are not declared lightly, and an increase in your stress is actually a normal response. However, not only is stress unpleasant, it can also hinder your immunity. The World Health Organization emphasizes that preventative care plays a crucial role in fighting the Coronavirus, therefore, it’s helpful to boost your coping in an effort to improve your overall well-being. Here are four strategies to help you maintain your mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic.” - Shainna Ali Ph.D., LMHC, Psychology Today, Mar 16, 2020
“The way you cope with stress can go a long way toward ensuring that you’re taking helpful action in managing your mental health. Here are ways to help you ease anxiety surrounding coronavirus” -.Amy Morin, LCSW Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD, VeryWell Mind, Mar 20, 2020
“The pandemic has led to a series of losses, from our sense of safety to our social connections to our financial security. Psychologists point to ways we can heal.” - Kirsten Weir, American Psychological Association, Apr 1, 2020
“With the constant stream of information surrounding the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), it’s easy to feel stressed or anxious. But stress can weaken your immune system and make it harder for you to stay healthy. That’s why it’s so important to manage your stress and anxiety using healthy coping methods.” - Molly Adams, Univ Texas MD Anderson Center, Mar 16. 2020
“Partners are responding differently to the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty this virus creates, which can translate into disagreements about how they should attempt to stay virus-free. Getting ahead of the virus’ potential impact on our relationships should be part of any good coronavirus readiness plan.” - Laura B. Kasper, PhD, The Bold Italic, Mar 23, 2020
“The COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak has the potential to increase stress and anxiety, both because of the fear of catching the virus and also because of uncertainty about how the outbreak will affect us socially and economically. There are practical steps you can take to improve your wellbeing.” - PTSD: National Center for PTSD, US Dept of Veteran Affairs
“The American Academy of Pediatrics today advises parents facing stressors over COVID-19 to practice self-care, to reach out to others for help, and to use healthy discipline techniques, such as time-outs”. - American Academy of Pediatrics , Mar 23, 2020
“The COVID-19 pandemic may be stressful and incredibly frightening for some people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children, particularly during uncertain times. This is why it is crucial to take care of your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak.” - NBCNewYork.com, Mar 17, 2020
“Families across the country are adapting to the evolving changes in daily life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most schools, places of public gathering, and nonessential businesses are closed, and parents and other caregivers are faced with helping their families adjust to the new normal. This includes trying to keep children occupied, feeling safe, and attempting to keep up with schoolwork as best as possible. None of this easy, but it helps to stay focused on what is possible in order to reinforce a sense of control and to reassure children that they are okay, and that the situation will get better.” - National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
“Social distancing is the most effective tool the United States has to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, but mental health experts warn that the isolation, combined with the stress of coping with a global pandemic and the disruption summoned by the virus, could brew a toxic environment for people grappling with mental health issues.” - Health, PBS.org, Mar 19, 2020
“Almost all of us are now affected by COVID-19 and the emergency measures being taken to slow its transmission. We’re stocking up on essential items. Schools across the country are closing, leaving us to homeschool our kids. Claustrophobia is settling in as theaters, stores, restaurants and small businesses shutter their doors. Financial concerns abound as thousands are losing hours at work or being laid off entirely, plus the stock market is fluctuating wildly. And beneath it all lurks the ominous concern: what if I or my loved ones get sick?” - Erika Boissiere, Forbes, Mar 19, 2020
“As the events surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19)outbreak unfold, it’s understandable that you might begin to feel increasing stress. Information is rapidly changing and can be confusing, overwhelming and even scary. You may experience fear and spikes in anxiety. But even if you’re managing your anxiety levels well, there’s still so much more to deal with.” Health Essential, Cleveland Clinic, Mar 19, 2020
“Fear and anxiety about COVID-19 can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions. Learning how to cope with stress and staying healthy while at home will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.” - Yale Health
19. Stressed About COVID-19? Here's What Can Help
“As the new coronavirus continues to spread, so do anxieties about COVID-19, the illness it causes. Joseph McGuire, Ph.D., M.A., a child psychologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine, shares some tips for you and your family on how to manage coronavirus-related stress”. - Joseph F McGuire, M.A., Ph.D., Johns Hopkins Medicine
“Stress happens to all of us from time to time. But what about stress that’s due to an ongoing situation – like COVID-19 – and no one really knows what’s going to happen or when it’s going to be resolved?” - Behavioral Health Team. Avera, Mar 18. 2020