LCSD COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness Volume I | Page 16
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How To Cope With Sheltering in Place
Introduction
Sheltering in place means people are asked by
local officials to stay where they are for a period
of time. You may be at your own or a relative’s
home, school, or work. Sheltering in place may
be required because of an emergency such as a
threat of violence, a weather situation such as a
tornado or hurricane, or a public health situation
like an infectious disease outbreak. You may hear
shelter in place also referred to as a “lockdown.”
This tip sheet describes reactions often
associated with sheltering in place. It also
suggests ways to care for yourself and your
family during the experience and provides
additional resources you may find helpful.
What To Expect: Typical Reactions
Sheltering in place can be stressful. If you are
sheltering because of an immediate threat of
violence or severe weather, your first priority is
to ensure that you and those in your care are
safe—lock the doors, stay away from windows,
and stay in interior rooms if possible.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.
Typical reactions to sheltering in place because
of an immediate problem include:
Uncertainty, anger, or frustration about how
long you will need to remain sheltered, and
uncertainty about what is going to happen
In shelter in place situations lasting longer than
a few hours, you may also experience:
Feelings of isolation, loneliness, sadness, or
boredom
Guilt about not being able to perform normal
work or parenting duties
Fear over loss of income
Changes in sleep or eating patterns
Ways To Cope During
Sheltering in Place
UNDERSTAND THE RISK
Consider the real risk of harm to yourself and
others around you. For example, during a
situation such as an infectious disease outbreak,
the public perception of risk is often inaccurate.
Media coverage may create the impression that
people are in immediate danger when really the
risk for infection may be very low. Take steps to
get the facts:
Fear and worry about your own safety and
that of your loved ones from whom you may
be temporarily separated Stay up to date on what is happening, but avoid
watching or listening to news reports 24/7 since
this can increase anxiety and worry. Remember
that children are especially affected by what
they hear and see on television.
Concern about being able to effectively care
for children or others in your care Look to credible sources for information
about the situation.
Anxiety about the situation
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