COVID-19: Managing Stress and Anxiety

In the series of messages about Keenan SafeSchools courses we offer to you and every California school, we have featured managing your facilities and your workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. The course highlighted today focuses on managing ourselves, especially our response to the stress this public health crisis is creating.

The course on Managing Stress and Anxiety will enable you to:

• Define stress and anxiety
• Identify the common signs and symptoms
• Explain how to reduce stress for yourself and others

Stress is a normal reaction to physical, emotional or mental demands. Your body responds to these stressors, like the COVID-19 pandemic, in a physical way. Anxiety is a more extreme response, characterized by irrational fears and worry. How you respond to these stressful conditions is different than others, depending on your upbringing, individual temperament and the community you live and work in.

"How you respond to these stressful conditions is different than others."

You may encounter fears and worries about your own health and the health of your loved ones. Changes in sleep and eating patterns are also common responses to stress, along with difficulty in concentrating. Some people may see a worsening of chronic health problems, or increase their use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

Positive ways to care for yourself, your family and friends during COVID-19 can help you cope more effectively with the stress you experience. Examples include:

Remember, the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is changing constantly, and the latest guidelines may vary state to state. Please refer to your local government resources, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) for the latest, up-to-date information. Contact your Keenan representative for access to these no-cost training courses.

• Finding and sharing fact-based information from authoritative sources about the disease, your actual risks and ways to manage the risks and stresses.
• Connecting with others safely, especially those who’ve helped you through tough times in the past.
• Caring for your body with healthy eating, regular exercise and plenty of sleep.
• Taking breaks from work and media coverage. Stay informed, but don’t let coronavirus news become an obsession.
• Using stress reduction techniques. Take deep breaths, stretch your muscles, or visualize calming scenery.
• Engaging in activities you enjoy – hobbies, reading, home improvement, etc.

If you find your stress levels overwhelming and persistent, talk to a mental health professional for assistance. If you don’t have a clergy member, counselor or physician, contact the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.

Helping yourself deal with stress is the first step to help your family, friends and community deal with this pandemic. For access to the coronavirus courses, contact your Keenan representative.