The outbreak of coronavirus is bound to be stressful for everyone in the world. Fear and anxiety over a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in both adults and children.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make you different from other people, and the community you live in or have been brought up in.
Some people get with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm themselves or others - they are advised to seek for help as soon as possible.
Substance abuse and mental health services administration’s disaster distress may be some of the agencies one may find help.
Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include signs such as fear and worry about your own health or that of your loved ones.
Changes in sleep or eating patterns and difficulty sleeping or concentrating are other indicators.
People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms.
Taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make the community stronger.
Let Kenyans help each other to survive the coronavirus pandemic.
Sharing the facts of Covid-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful.
Sharing such information helps people feel connected and abler to handle the situation.
Children and teens react according to what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the pandemic calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.
Nairobi
