- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Headspace is an app for meditation, and they have free modules available.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep.
- Try a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based approach to deal with anxious thoughts about the pandemic.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
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:
- Call 911
- Call 211 to reach your local Social Services
- Visit the Talk to Someone Now Lifeline, or call 1-800-273-8255
- 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
Source: CDC