COVID-19

Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current novel coronavirus pandemic, can be scary and can affect our mental health.

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Avoid Speculation

Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control.

You can get up-to-date information and advice on the virus here:

The WHO have also released an excellent mythbusters page which is worth reading.

Follow hygiene advice such as washing your hands often (particularly after using public transport), using tissues if you sneeze or cough and disposing of them, and staying at home if you are feeling unwell.

Stay Connected, and Calm

At times of stress, we work better in company and with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family. If you need to, get in touch with a mental health professional for emotional support.

It is a good idea to stick to your daily routine. You may also like to focus on the things you can do if you feel able to:

  • Use stress management and relaxation techniques
  • Keep active
  • Eat a balanced diet

The advice above is good for both our mental and physical health at all times, but particularly now.

Try to Anticipate Distress

It is normal to feel vulnerable and overwhelmed as we read news about the outbreak, especially if you have experienced trauma or a mental health problem in the past.

It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and remind each other to look after our physical and mental health. We should also be aware of and avoid increasing habits that may not be helpful in the long term, like smoking and drinking.

Try and reassure people you know who may be worried.

Avoid Assumptions

Don’t judge people and avoid jumping to conclusions about who is responsible for the spread of the disease. The Coronavirus can affect anyone regardless of gender, ethnicity, or sex.

A caring and supportive stance improves the chances of prevention and recovery. And remember that not every cold or cough is the Coronavirus.

Manage Your Media Consumption

There is lots of news coverage about the outbreak. If you find that the news is stressing you out, it’s important to find a balance. It’s best that you don’t avoid all news and that you keep informing and educating yourself, but limit your news intake if it is bothering you.

Talk To Your Children

Involving our family and children in our plans for good health is essential. We need to ask children what they have heard about the outbreak and support them.

Let’s not avoid the ‘scary topic’ but engage in a way that is appropriate with them.

Take our anxiety quiz now

Feeling coronavirus-related anxiety is completely understandable. Take our quick quiz to measure and monitor the impact on your anxiety levels.

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