Fear and anxiety about the COVID-19 pandemic can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions.
Things you can do to support yourself:
- Pray. Begin the day with your favorite Scripture reading. Attend daily Mass online.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
- If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call
- 911
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
- Visit: www.virusanxiety.com to find answers to anxiety-related questions, free meditations and breathing exercises, and a multitude of other free resources to help navigate these difficult times.
- Play soothing music, like this audio file, while you work:
Caring for your mental health may include:
- Separating what is in your control from what is not. There are things you can do, and it’s helpful to focus on those.
- Doing what helps you feel a sense of safety. This will be different for everyone, and it’s important not to compare yourself to others.
- Getting outside in nature–even if you are avoiding crowds. Exercise helps both your physical and mental health.
- Challenging yourself to stay in the present. When you find yourself worrying about something that hasn’t happened, gently bring yourself back to the present moment.
- Staying connected and reach out if you need more support. Talk to trusted friends about what you are feeling. It’s ok to reach out to a mental health professional for support.