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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is deeply affecting the mental health of patients and health care workers alike. Scroll through this quick slideshow for a range of coping strategies.
There is no denying that the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused stress, fear, and anxiety in patients, families, and health care professionals. That is why staying healthy both physically and mentally is crucial during these uncertain times. Scroll through the slides above for tips on how to cope with the impact of COVID-19 on mental health. Suggestions include guidance for health care providers, the elderly, teenagers, and children.
Potential Consequences of COVID-19.1 COVID-19 will likely contribute to increased loneliness, anxiety, depression, substance use, domestic violence, and child abuse. The 3 steps you can take to prepare for the impact of COVID-19 on mental health are:
General Tips for Coping with COVID-19.2-4 The elderly, teenagers, COVID-19 responders, and people with chronic illnesses may have stronger emotional responses. Ways to cope include:
Tips for Healthcare Providers.2-4 Responders may experience secondary traumatic stress resulting from exposure to another person’s trauma. Symptoms include fatigue, illness, fear, withdrawal, and guilt. Ways to cope include:
Tips for Parents.2-4 Common reactions in children include excessive crying/irritation/worry/sadness; regression to past behaviors; unhealthy eating/sleeping; poor school performance/avoiding school or activities; difficulty concentrating; unexplained headaches/body aches; use of alcohol/tobacco/drugs; increased need for attachment; and acting out. Ways to support children include:
Tips for People at High Risk: Older Adults, People with Chronic Illness. Common reactions include increased anxiety, anger, agitation, withdrawal, guilt about needing help, and feeling isolated. Ways to support high-risk individuals include:
Resources for Help:
References:
1. Galea S, Merchant RM, Lurie N. The mental health consequences of COVID-19 and physical distancing: The need for prevention and early intervention [published online ahead of print, April 10 2020]. JAMA Intern Med. 2020. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2020.1562
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Stress & coping. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html. Updated April 16, 2020. Accessed April 16, 2020.
3. World Health Organization. Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak. World Health Organization Web site. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/mental-health-considerations.pdf. Published March 18, 2020. Accessed April 16, 2020.
4. National Alliance on Mental Illness. COVID-19 resource and information guide. National Alliance on Metnal Illness Web site. https://www.nami.org/covid-19-guide. Updated April 6, 2020. Accessed April 16, 2020.
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