Pulse - June 2021 - 24

DEAR TABBY
Coping with Stress
CDC Information site: Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
T
he COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect
on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges
that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause
strong emotions in adults and children. Public health
actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to
reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make
us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and
anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way
will make you, the people you care about, and those
around you become more resilient.
Stress can cause the following:
* Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or
frustration
* Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
* Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
* Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
* Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach
problems, and skin rashes
* Worsening of chronic health problems
* Worsening of mental health conditions
* Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways that you can help yourself,
others, and your community manage stress.
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news
stories, including those on social media. It's good to be
informed, but hearing about the pandemic constantly can be
upsetting. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day
and disconnecting from phone, tv, and computer screens for a
while.
* Take care of your body.
* Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditateexternal icon.
* Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
* Exercise regularly.
* Get plenty of sleep.
* Avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and substance use.
* Continue with routine preventive measures (such as vaccinations,
cancer screenings, etc.) as recommended by your
healthcare provider.
* Get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine when available.
* Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you
enjoy.
* Connect with others. Talk with peopleexternal icon you trust
about your concerns and how you are feeling.
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* Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations.
While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting
online, through social media, or by phone or mail.
Helping Others Cope
Taking care of yourself can better equip you to take care of
others. During times of social distancing, it is especially important
to stay connected with your friends and family. Helping
others cope with stress through phone calls or video chats can
help you and your loved ones feel less lonely or isolated.
Mental Health and Crisis
If you are struggling to cope, there are many ways to get
help. Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of
your daily activities for several days in a row.
During times of extreme stress, people may have thoughts
of suicide. Suicide is preventable and help is available. More
about the risk of suicide, signs to watch for, and how to
respond if you notice these signs in yourself or a friend or a
loved one, can be found here.
Free and confidential crisis resources can also help you or a
loved one connect with a skilled, trained counselor in your area.
If you are in crisis, get immediate help:
Call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK
(8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline
Crisis Chat.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or
text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild
(1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
or Online Chat
Veteran's Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or
Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
Disaster Distress Helpline: CALL or
TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 - TTY Instruction
JUNE 2021
PULSE
Pulse - June 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pulse - June 2021
