Mental Health Tips During Uncertain Times

People react differently to stressful situations. When things happen that are out of our control, we may have feelings ranging from concern or worry to anxiety or anger, among many other possible reactions.

If you are experiencing a stressful time — such as working from home and away from your colleagues or being socially isolated — you may feel anxious. lonely, bored or frustrated. Understand and accept your feelings during this time. Pay attention to your mental health.

Here are some tips for helping take care of your mental health during this time.

1. Find things that help you manage stress. Consider trying deep breathing, stretching or meditation. There are also apps that may help you deal with stress.
2. Set boundaries. While it’s important to have up-to-date, reliable information, you should limit exposure to the ever-present media coverage.
3. Create regular routines. For example, consider setting up a regular routine for physical activity, communicating and connecting with others and continuing other day-to-day habits.
4. Make a list. Gather a list of contacts, including friends, family, neighbors, health care providers, as well as any therapists or counselors, and other community resources. Place it somewhere prominent in your home, for example, on your refrigerator.
5. Check your medications. Make sure you have any prescription and/or over-the-counter medications you need. Take your prescriptions as recommended. If possible, the recommendation is to have a two-week supply on hand. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn how you can obtain what you need.
6. Define how you’ll stay connected. Establish how you’ll communicate with friends and family through available methods — text, phone calls, over the internet or even through letters in the mail. Consider “face-to-face” time using apps that allow you to video chat with others.
7. Keep up with healthy habits. Your physical health is an important part of your mental health, during a quarantine and always. Avoid using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs to try to manage stress. Get plenty of rest and physical activity.

By Laura Grathwohl, Contributing Writer

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Get your home ready. Accessed March 18, 2020.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Checklist to get ready. Accessed March 18, 2020.
National Institute of Health: How to Prepare. Accessed March 18, 2020.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration: Taking Care of Your Behavioral Health. Accessed March 18, 2020.

Last Updated April 3, 2020