Oakland Community Health Network offers tips to reduce COVID-19 related anxiety
As public health officials strategically plan to protect the physical well-being of individuals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Oakland Community Health Network is encouraging people to also take care of their mental health.
The agency offers the following suggestions to reduce COVID-19 related anxiety and stress:
Monitor and Minimize overexposure to media reports: While important to stay informed about changing events regarding COVID-19, mental health experts are encouraging people to take a break from news coverage. This is especially true if viewing of the news is causing additional stress and anxiety, or interfering with participation in daily activities.
Talk to children: Parents should have age appropriate conversations with children about changes in their lives because of COVID-19. This includes school closings and the cancellation of extracurricular activities. It is important to reassure them that these actions are meant to keep them safe and are temporary. Kids also need to know that once determined safe by health experts, they will return to school and their normal routines. Parents whose children are experiencing persistent and overwhelming stress from the COVID-19 situation should contact Oakland Community Health Network’s Crisis Helpline at 800-231-1127, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can also contact a healthcare provider.
Community support: Avoiding large gatherings of people does not mean avoiding people completely. Check in on neighbors, especially those who are elderly or live alone. Develop a neighborhood community outreach plan to offer support where needed and to those who need it most. This could include assisting working parents with childcare issues because of school closings.
Stay Connected: Social distancing can cause people to feel lonely and isolated. Make a conscious effort to stay connected with friends, family members and loved ones. Phone calls, texting and social media allow people to stay close from wherever they are. Letter writing is another option to stay in touch.
Ask for help: People who are experiencing persistent and overwhelming fear and stress from the COVID-19 situation should contact the Crisis Helpline at 800231-1127 or a healthcare provider.
Other ways to reduce anxiety include:
• Sitting comfortably in a chair with both feet flat on the ground, slowly inhaling for a count of four, holding breath for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four and repeating until ready to stop.
• Get up and move with jumping jacks, jogging in place, yoga, etc.
• Count backward from 100 or do multiplication tables in your head to help center thoughts.
• Sit and pet your furry companion.
• Listen to music.
• Make plans for the future when this has passed.
Oakland Community Health Network is at 5505 Corporate Dr #2614, Troy. For more information, visit www.oaklandchn.org.