Managing Stress and Anxiety During the COVID-19 Response

The Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus is currently spreading from person to person in the United States, including Chicago. Many people are understandably experiencing increased stress and anxiety at this time.

Howard Brown Health will continue to care for our community, including addressing our patients’ mental wellness. Below, find more information about stress and anxiety around COVID-19 and how people can cope in a healthy way.

Knowing that there is an illness that could affect you and those you love is unavoidably stressful. This resource shares common reactions in these types of situations and gives you tips on things you can do to help manage stress during this time.

Sometimes illnesses spread suddenly and progress quickly. In many cases, however, it starts slowly and it is not until weeks and months later that it becomes truly a global pandemic.

This is good, as it allows people and organizations to prepare as best they can. Psychologically, however, this can be difficult. This “waiting period”—when everyone is watching and wondering what might come next—takes a toll.

Common Feelings During the COVID-19 Response

When you recognize a threat, your body responds in ways that prepare you to meet the challenge and protect yourself. Hormones and other chemicals are released when you sense danger, and they trigger what are often referred to as “stress reactions.” These reactions usually don’t feel very good, but they are totally normal. They are, in fact, your body’s way of trying to help you survive.

It’s natural to fear the unknown. Here are some things people commonly experience during the period of rising uncertainty and pressure surrounding the spread of COVID-19:

• Feeling more anxious, worried, and tense than normal.
• Feeling distracted, jittery, and unable to focus on anything very well, or for very long.
• Finding yourself thinking about the illness even when you are trying to focus on other things.
• Wanting to research and learn everything you can about the illness and what may unfold.
• A general sense of high energy or being alert and in “overdrive.” Periods of high energy can be followed or interspersed with “energy crashes” (sudden fatigue and feeling overwhelmed or helpless).
• Difficulty sleeping well.
• Isolating or withdrawing from others, and/or fear of going to public spaces.
• Craving more of the unhealthy or dangerous things we can use to help ourselves cope with stress and tension (e.g., alcohol, cigarettes, risky sex).

What helps?

What can you do to help yourself cope with the stress during this “wait and watch” period? In general, the more you feel safe and in-control, the better you will cope. That means that one of the best things you can do is to prepare.

1. Prepare
   • Stick to 2-3 trusted and reliable sources of information to help you learn about the virus or illness and prepare yourself on a personal level. For example:
   • Review safety information about the importance of handwashing and other things you can do to lower the risk that you and those you love will be exposed.
   • If a quarantine is possible or likely, stock up just on necessary supplies to see you through a couple of weeks (e.g., essential medication, food, long-life milk, toilet paper, etc.)
2. Remember
   • You will likely be more distracted and feel more anxious. This is not a “business as usual” time, and you should not expect yourself to feel “normal” or to be able to focus on work the way you normally can.
   • It is normal to experience some strong emotions or feel like you’re on an emotional roller coaster during this time.
   • You can do things to help yourself cope better during this season. Try some of the following strategies…
3. Practice effective stress and anxiety management strategies
   • Limit time spent watching the news and on social media. News reports emphasizing the rapid spread of the illness and the lack of effective treatment will simply fuel anxiety. Spending too much time on social media can have a similar effect.
   • Focus on other things. Periodically make yourself focus on something else other than COVID-19. Naming what you’re grateful for, as well as books, audiobooks, podcasts, and TV can help with this. Keep this entertainment on the lighter side—try comedies or animated films instead of war epics, thrillers, crime dramas, or “end of the world” stuff.
   • Exercise if you possibly can, even if this means skipping rope and doing workouts at home. One of the best ways to help your body cope with rising levels of stress chemicals is to use some of them up through vigorous activity.
   • Practice those disciplines that ground, calm, and nourish you. If you meditate, pray, practice yoga, write, draw, read, cook… continue to do these things if you can. This is a time to do more of those sorts of things, not less.
   • Get fresh air. Spending time in nature is important to wellbeing. However, please continue to follow local health guidelines and advisories as it relates to distancing yourself from others in outdoor settings.
   • Connect with loved ones. Receiving support from (and giving support to) others has a powerfully positive effect on our ability to cope with challenges. So, spend time talking and connecting with family and friends.
   • Reach out for support. Contact your organization’s staff care program, your doctor, or other support professionals.

To find out more about COVID-19, read our regularly updated Coronavirus FAQ.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and in the interest of patient and staff safety, Howard Brown is implementing service changes new procedures.

Reference: The Konterra Group, Managing Stress and Anxiety During An Infectious Disease Outbreak document