LCSD COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness Volume I | Page 30
Toll-Free: 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) | [email protected] | https://store.samhsa.gov
COPING WITH STRESS DURING INFECTIOUS DISEASE OUTBREAKS
USE PRACTICAL WAYS TO RELAX:
Relax your body often by doing things that
work for you—take deep breaths, stretch,
meditate, wash your face and hands, or
engage in pleasurable hobbies.
Pace yourself between stressful activities,
and do a fun thing after a hard task.
Use time off to relax—eat a good meal, read,
listen to music, take a bath, or talk to family.
Talk about your feelings to loved ones and
friends often.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY, FEELINGS, AND
SPIRIT:
Recognize and heed early warning signs of
stress.
Recognize how your own past experiences
affect your way of thinking and feeling about
this event, and think of how you handled your
thoughts, emotions, and behavior around
past events.
Know that feeling stressed, depressed, guilty,
or angry is common after an event like an
infectious disease outbreak, even when it
does not directly threaten you.
Connect with others who may be experiencing
stress about the outbreak. Talk about your
feelings about the outbreak, share reliable
health information, and enjoy conversation
unrelated to the outbreak, to remind yourself
of the many important and positive things in
your lives.
Take time to renew your spirit through
meditation, prayer, or helping others in need.
Sources for Credible Outbreak-
Related Health Information
Take care of your physical health to
help lower your stress. Take a break to
focus on positive parts of your life, like
connections with loved ones.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30329-4027
1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
https://www.cdc.gov
World Health Organization
Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health
Organization
525 23rd Street, NW
Washington, DC 20037
202-974-3000
http://www.who.int/en
3