Mental wellness guide

Staying healthy at home during COVID-19

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during and after a stressful situation.

Everyone reacts differently, and your own feelings will change over time. Notice and accept how you feel. Self-care during a stressful situation will help your long-term healing. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and protect yourself and your loved ones.

Reactions during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

  • Fear and worry about your own health status and that of your loved ones who may have been exposed to COVID-19
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
  • Worsening of chronic health problems
  • Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disease outbreak.

Things you can do to support yourself

  • Take care of your body - try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep. Avoid alcohol and other drugs
  • Take breaks - take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Make time to unwind and remind yourself that strong feelings will fade. Try to do activities you usually enjoy. Maintain a sense of hope and positive thinking
  • Connect with others - share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Maintain healthy relationships
  • Stay informed - when you feel that you are missing information, you may become more stressed or nervous. Watch, listen to, or read the news for updates from officials. Be aware that there may be rumors during a crisis, especially on social media. Always check your sources and turn to reliable sources of information like public health authorities
  • Avoid too much exposure to media coverage of COVID-19 - take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories. It can be upsetting to hear about the crisis and see images repeatedly. Try to do enjoyable activities and return to normal life as much as possible and check for updates between breaks
  • Seek help when needed - if you experience stress reactions (feelings or behaviors) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak for several days in a row and are unable to carry out normal responsibilities because of them, reach out for help

Reaching out for help

Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength.

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment plans during an emergency and monitor for any new symptoms. If you experience stress reactions in response to the COVID-19 outbreak for several days in a row and are unable to carry out normal responsibilities because of them, contact your health care provider or your local addictions and mental health centres.

Additional resources to support mental wellness

 

Source: Government of New Brunswick