LCSD COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness Volume I | Page 17
HOW TO COPE WITH SHELTERING IN PLACE
MAKE A PLAN USE PRACTICAL WAYS TO COPE AND RELAX
You can prepare in advance for a potential
shelter in place in the following ways: You can do many things to keep yourself calm
while sheltering in place.
Assemble an emergency supplies kit that
includes at least 2 weeks’ worth of water
and shelf-stable food, medications, pet food,
flashlights, and extra batteries. Relax your body often by doing things that
work for you—take deep breaths, stretch,
meditate or pray, wash your face and hands,
or engage in pleasurable hobbies.
Ask your employer and your children’s school
administrators or daycare providers what
their plan is for a shelter in place order. Pace yourself between stressful activities,
and do something fun after a hard task.
If you need ongoing medical care for a
chronic health, mental health, or substance
use condition, learn in advance what to do
from your health care or treatment provider in
the event that you cannot come to the office
or clinic.
Do activities you enjoy—eat a good meal, read,
listen to music, take a bath, or talk to family.
Talk about your experiences and feelings to
loved ones and friends as often as possible, if
you find it helpful.
Develop an emergency plan with family
members that includes having each other’s
contact information and ensuring that all
members will check in with one another as
soon as possible if you are not sheltering in
place together.
Collect fun activities, books, games, and toys
that can keep your children entertained, and
books, movies, and games that will keep you
occupied.
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Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking;
consider keeping a journal where you write
down things you are grateful for or that are
going well.
If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions
such as sadness, depression, anxiety, or feel
like you want to harm yourself or others, call
911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Toll-Free: 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) | [email protected] | http://store.samhsa.gov