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Mental Health Tips for You and Your Loved Ones During COVID-19
Being confined to home due to the coronavirus has been quite a trying time. Temporarily, we have lost access to that which sustains us - family, friends, work, school, places of worship, gyms, parks and restaurants. While we are inconvenienced and restricted to home, there are others amongst us who still go to work -- public safety, first responders, healthcare workers, just to name a few.
It’s normal for us to worry about getting sick. It’s also expected to experience a range of other difficult emotions – sadness, anger, loneliness, confusion, despair and FEAR. Along with those emotions come signs of distress:
Here are some tips for you and your family to stay #NCStrong.
1. Keep things in perspective. Breathe. Most people who contract COVID-19 will only experience mild symptoms, but it is still very dangerous – especially for those classified as high risk. We can help by taking necessary precautions to keep everyone safe by continuing to practice social distancing.
2. Get the facts. Verify information that you receive from informal sources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the DPS intranet all have sites where you can find reputable information.
3. Communicatewithyourchildren. Reassurethem, talk with them, answer their questions and share age-appropriate information. Limit their exposure to the news and social media. Stick to your routines and set a good example by taking care of yourself.
4. Keep connected. Stay in touch with friends and loved ones via phone, text or social media platforms. Our social support system provides a valuable outlet for sharing feelings and relieving stress.
5. Seek additional help. If you believe your stress reactions are affecting your health, job performance or relationships, consult with a trained and experienced mental health professional.
• Shock, numbness or disbelief • Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Changes in appetite
• Sleep problems
• Body aches or skin rashes
• Chronic health problems get worse
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs
#WeAreNCDPS
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IBHS :
CDC:
NC DHHS:
1-833-747-0185
(Toll-Free)
IBHS on Intranet www.cdc.gov www.ncdhhs.gov
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