During periods of uncertainty and crisis, as occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is normal to feel stressed, agitated, sad or confused. These emotions can be harmful to one’s health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) outlines ways to cope with stress in these abnormal times:
- Talk to trustworthy people
- Keep in contact with friends and family via email and phone
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes a proper diet, sleep and exercise especially if you must stay home.
- Smoking, alcohol or drugs are not ways to deal with your emotions when you are feeling overwhelmed.
- Talk to a counsellor or health worker and have a plan as to where to go and how to seek physical and health needs when required.
- Be factual, gather accurate information as to what your risks are so you can take reasonable precautions.
- Find credible and trustworthy sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), African Center for Disease Control and the Ghana Health Service and other public health agencies.
- Spend less time watching or listening to media coverage and reports that you perceive as upsetting or cause you to be worried or agitated.
- Use acquired skills from other stressful situations you have encountered in the past and use those skills to help you navigate and manage your emotions through these challenging times.
Source: WHO
