There are ways you can cope
How to prevent coronavirus depression
March 20, 2020 at 2:03 PM EDT – Updated March 20 at 2:19 PM
(CNN/Gray News) – From coronavirus to the economy, there’s a lot to process right now.
Stop watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Children and teens may have a tough time dealing with stress, too.
They react, in part, on what they see adults around them doing.
The CDC says when parents deal with what’s going on calmly and confidently, it’s reassuring to their children.
People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue their normal treatment and be aware of “new or worsening symptoms,” the agency says.
Understanding the facts about COVID-19 and its actual risk to you and the people you care about can also help reduce stress.
If you find that the stress is getting in the way of your regular activities for several days in a row, get in touch with your healthcare provider.
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