All of us are impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the feelings of fear and uncertainty around this developing situation. We all feel stress, anxiety, grief and worry. Everyone reacts differently. Expect your feelings to change over time. Here are basic recommendations for self-care:
- Take care of your body. Maintain routines related to meals, exercise and bedtime.
- Engage in relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Meditations are available readily online. Create a list of things you are grateful for which helps reduce stress.
- Stay informed, but avoid too much exposure to the news. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information. The County of San Diego has information available at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus/
If you notice yourself experiencing signs of distress, please ensure you are practicing the self-care activities listed above. Common signs of distress may include:
- Feelings of numbness, disbelief, anxiety, or fear.
- Changes in appetite, energy, and activity levels.
- Difficulty concentrating, anger or short-temper.
Seek help when needed. If distress impacts activities of your daily life for several days or weeks, talk to your counselor, doctor, or faith leader, or contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Visit the County Behavioral Health Services website, which includes resources for managing your mental health and coping during COVID-19.
The San Diego Access and Crisis Line (888-724-7240) offers immediate support and resources from an experienced counselor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on all behavioral health topics. Language interpreter services enable assistance in 150 languages within seconds. More information online at https://www.optumsandiego.com/content/sandiego/en/access—crisis-line.html
For more information, visit the County of San Diego website at https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/coronavirus/
For related posts from UCCA, visit https://www.universitycitynews.org/category/community-health/
