Self Care & Wellness

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations like COVID-19. You may feel anxious, mad, sad, or overwhelmed. Find ways to reduce your stress to help yourself and the people you care about.


  • Learn the common signs of stress.
  • Make time to unwind and do activities you enjoy.
  • Talk with family and friends by phone, text, or email.
  • If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, get support 24/7 by calling 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

Learn more about stress and coping during the COVID-19 outbreak: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

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Stress

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include

  • Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Worsening of mental health conditions
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations

How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in.

People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:

  • Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19
  • Children and teens
  • People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors, other health care providers, and first responders
  • People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance use

Coping With Stress During a Pandemic

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

31-316813_relax-clipart-meditation-yoga-image-black-and-whiteTake breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

Take care of your body

Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

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 Self-Care & Wellness During a Pandemic

 

Coping with Stress & Isolation

Care for your mind and body. Know when to seek help.

Take a break. Take frequent breaks from news outlets, including radio, television, and social media. Engage in other activities you enjoy.

Stay connected to friends and family. Use virtual communication to stay in contact with loved ones. Communicate your feelings to others.

Eat healthy, balanced meals and exercise in ways that make you feel good. Get plenty of sleep. Avoid drugs and alcohol.

If you or a loved one experience extreme distress, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 1-800-273-TALK.

Watertown Health Department provides this information in other languages.

Coping with Stress & Isolation in English

Coping with Stress & Isolation in Armenian

Coping with Stress & Isolation in Spanish

Coping with Stress & Isolation in Portuguese

Coping with Stress & Isolation in Urdu