Mental and Physical Health

There are things you can do to prevent yourself from getting sick as well as protect those around you if you do catch COVID-19. It’s important to know that most young people are able to handle this virus well. The elderly and the immune-compromised (or those with other underlying health conditions) are at the most risk of developing complications. To protect yourself, your best bet is washing your hands regularly and thoroughly as well as avoiding crowds/close contact with others, especially those who appear to be sick. To protect those around you, you should:

• Stay home if you’re sick

• Cover your coughs and sneezes

• Wear a facemask if you’re sick or caring for someone who’s sick

• Keep frequently touched surfaces disinfected

You can read more about these tips and other helpful information on the CDC’s guidelines page for coronavirus/COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html

During this time, we also want you to remember that it’s normal to feel stressed in uncertain situations. There’s a lot we don’t know right now about what’s going on with the coronavirus and that’s okay.It’s important to remember during this time that we are not helpless, despite current events, and can use our resources to protect both our health and mental well-being. If you’re feeling particularly concerned, check out this article from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

In addition to the recommendations in the link above, here are some things you can do to manage your stress level if you’re feeling particularly anxious or worried:

1. Keep in mind that stress isn’t always a bad thing. A manageable level of stress can be helpful in accomplishing tasks.

2. Talk about your problems, even if they can’t be solved. With a situation like the coronavirus, it’s easy to feel uncertain - this is a great time to talk through your feelings and concerns with someone you trust.

3. Prioritize your responsibilities. Focus on what you can do, rather than what you can’t do. During this time, you can take steps to protect your health (listed above). You can also work diligently on the schoolwork your teachers provide to keep your grades moving forward in a positive way. Also, focusing on smaller tasks opens up time to be able to tackle bigger, more time-consuming ones. If you’re struggling with any course concepts or just want to brush up on your skills, Khan Academy (https://www.khanacademy.org/) and Quizlet (https://quizlet.com/) are two great resources to use.

4. Focus on the basics. Make it a point to practice self-care, including eating well, keeping a healthy sleep schedule, exercising, mindfulness, setting aside personal time for yourself, and simply taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally.

5. Keep things in perspective. While the coronavirus is a very valid thing to be concerned about, it’s important to keep a level head, stay informed with information from reputable sources (CDC, WHO, etc.), and practice measures to keep you and those around you healthy.

Other things you can do to cope with stress, problems, or other uncomfortable feelings: Relaxation techniques (deep breathing, for example), using social support, problem-solving techniques, and seeking professional help.

(courtesy of the Baltimore counseling team)