Many people are stressing and panicking over this pandemic. It’s not easy to take care of yourself when a deadly virus is spreading, especially if you have young children/seniors to take care of. Young children and older people seem to be an easier target to contract COVID-19.

Yes, it is very difficult to take care of multiple people, but what about people who are really being affected with mental issues. 

This pandemic is causing an increase in anxiety, stress, and panic. Now, even mental hospitals can’t help the sick in need because they don’t want to risk the virus spreading. As a result, anyone with depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or even schizophrenia struggle to be admitted into a hospital to get better.

Kff.org states, “In a recent KFF poll, nearly half (45%) of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the virus. As the pandemic wears on, it is likely the mental health burden will increase as measures taken to slow the spread of the virus, such as social distancing, business and school closures, and shelter-in-place orders, lead to greater isolation and potential financial distress.”

Stress can make a person very vulnerable. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline confirmed they have received many calls from people who expressed economic and financial instability, substance use, and face grief over COVID-19.

The Suicide Prevention Lifeline states, “Infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19, as well as other public health events, can cause emotional distress and anxiety. Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak, especially in the face of a virus with which the general public may be unfamiliar. These feelings of distress and anxiety can occur even if you are not at high risk of getting sick.” 

Some ways to cope with stress are to meditate, do yoga, exercise, eat healthy, talk with friends or family through the phone, do some fun activities, and avoid drugs and alcohol. Another thing is if you share information about COVID-19, make sure it’s accurate because you can make yourself and others less stressed. If someone gives out false information and it spreads, people can make it sound worse than what it really is. Accurate information can help people worry less because they know the truth and can find a way to cope. 

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others, there are some resources that can help:

• Call 911.
• Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746.
• Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.

Photo credit: The People Speak! / Flickr