Tips to Deal with Stress and Anxiety During the Pandemic

If you’re feeling afraid, anxious, depressed or on edge, you’re not alone. It is perfectly natural to experience these emotions during a public health crisis, especially one about which so much is still unknown, and most people are feeling worried about their health, the economy, and the future of the world. The important thing is to acknowledge how you’re feeling and find ways to manage your anxieties and fears.

Limit Consumption

Make sure you are getting up-to-date information from trustworthy sources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and county public health websites. It may also be helpful to limit media exposure by tuning into the news just once or twice a day.

Stay Connected 

Social distancing is definitely a drag, but it doesn’t mean you have to disconnect from family and friends. Stay in touch through Skype, Facetime, email or text. Share your concerns and listen to theirs.

You also can organize dinner parties on Zoom, host a Netflix party with friends and watch a movie together or take your children to a virtual concert.

Achieve a Long-Standing Goal or Learn a New Skill

Sheltering in place is a perfect opportunity to finally write that novel you didn’t have time for before, perfect your cooking or banking skills, learn how to fix a leaky faucet and more. Click here to discover 50 skills you can learn online for free.

Let’s Get Physical

Exercise is a powerful tool to boost spirits. If you have a gym membership, check to see if it is offering virtual classes. If not, no worries. The good news is there are many ways to get moving while under self-quarantine. You can fire up an iTunes or Pandora playlist and dance to your favorite music, walk or take a run around your neighborhood at a social distance, do gardening or lawn work, go for a bike ride with your children and download exercise apps. For more tips about how to stay active, click here.

Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Professional Help

There is no shame in turning to a mental health professional to help you manage your feelings. In fact, it is very courageous and a good sign that you still have hope. And, remember, we are in this together and will persevere as a community. Here’s a list of resources you can use to seek assistance.   

 .  National Alliance on Mental Health (Miami-Dade): 305-665-2540

.  Mental Health Service Parent Assistance Line: 305-995-7100

.  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255   

.  Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255

.  National Alliance on Mental Illnesses, Miami-Dade: 312-626-6799; 305-665-2540

.  Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disaster Distress Hotline: 800-985-5990

.  National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

.  Suicide Prevention/SAFENET (Miami-Dade): 305-358-4357

.  Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-962-2873

.  Elder Help Line: 305-670-4357

.  Department of Children and Families: 305-377-5773

.  Community Health of South Florida, Inc.: 305-252-4820

.  Mercy Hospital Behavioral Health: 305-285-2629

 .  Jackson Health System Behavioral Health: 305-585-4564

 .  Jessie Trice Health Behavioral Center: 305-637-6400

 .  Salvation Army Emotional and Spiritual Support Hotline: 844-458-4673