# Feeling overwhelmed? Employee Assistance Program encourages families to recognize signs, seek help

/ Published May 21, 2020
COLUMBUS, Ohio, 
*In this week’s blog, DLA Land and Maritime’s Employee Assistance Program Manager Drew Henderson offers recommendation for identifying and reducing stress in yourself and those around you as well as ways to offer support to others.*

The outbreak of coronavirus disease may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about and your community stronger.

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.

**People who may respond more strongly to the stress of a crisis include:**

• Older people and people with chronic diseases who are at higher risk for COVID-19• Children and teens• People who are helping with the response to COVID-19, like doctors and other health care providers or first responders• People who have mental health conditions including problems with substance useIf you, or someone you care about, is feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call:• 911• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)

**Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:**

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones• Changes in sleep or eating patterns• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating• Worsening of chronic health problems• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

People with preexisting mental health conditions should continue with their treatment and be aware of new or worsening symptoms. Additional information can be found at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website.

Taking care of yourself, your friends and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

**Things you can do to support yourself:**

• Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and avoid alcohol and drugs.• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

**Reduce stress in yourself and others**

• Sharing the facts about COVID-19 and understanding the actual risk to yourself and people you care about can make an outbreak less stressful.• When you share accurate information about COVID-19 you can help make people feel less stressed and allow you to connect with them.

**For parents**

Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 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.

**Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:**

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)• Excessive worry or sadness• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens• Poor school performance or avoiding school• Difficulty with attention and concentration• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past• Unexplained headaches or body pain• Use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs

**There are many things you can do to support your child:**

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.• Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.