COVID-19 Have You Feeling Anxious? Try These Tips

COLUMBUS, OH — Health officials know that the spread of new coronavirus, COVID-19, has many Ohioans on edge. To that end, the Ohio Department of Health is offering tips to help reduce anxiety.

"Remember that distress, anxiety, fear, and strong emotions are normal in times of distress or crisis. Remind yourself and others that these feelings will fade," said Dr. Amy Acton, the director of the Ohio Department of Health.

She said it's important to recognize signs of distress, including: feeling hopeless, feelings of numbness or despair, a change in appetite, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, headaches, body pains, worsening of chronic health problems, increased anger and increased use of substances (like alcohol).

Here are Acton's tips to reduce stress:

• Don't overdo your exposure to media coverage of COVID-19. While staying informed is smart, don't overwhelm yourself or your family.
• Eat nutritious food, exercise, get the right amount of sleep, hydrate, make time to unwind and avoid using alcohol or drugs.
• Incorporate stretching or meditation into your daily routine. Remember to take deep breaths when you begin feeling overwhelmed.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Use your cell phone or the Internet to share your concerns and be supportive of their worries.
• Keep taking part in hobbies and activities that don't require close contact with other people, particularly in confined spaces
• If you have a mental health condition, continue your regular treatment plan and monitor for any new symptoms. Don't be afraid to call your healthcare provider with any concerns.

Lori Criss, the director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health, announced Saturday that telemedicine options — via landline and internet — will be expanded throughout the state for mental health treatment. If a person needs mental health treatment for the first time, they will now be able to have that first appointment via telehealth.

"These are important actions for us to take," Criss said. The measures will, she added, protect both patients and healthcare providers.

More reading:

America's Coronavirus Virus: Psychology Of Panic And Stockpiling —The uncertainty surrounding the new coronavirus, officially called COVID-19, is spurring a consumer rush on items including hand sanitizers, disinfectants and enough nonperishable food to last two weeks — the latter being the recommendation of public health officials if a self-quarantine becomes necessary.