Coping with stress in a pandemic

I imagine that like me, you are able to take a look at the people around you and can see some of your friends or family members struggling more than usual. This could take form as seeing them become more anxious, more depressed, and more stressed than usual. This person could be you.

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA), experiencing heightened stress in such a pandemic can at times cause the following:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones, your financial situation or job, or loss of support services you rely on.

• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.

• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.

• Worsening of chronic health problems.

• Worsening of mental health conditions.

• Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

With places around UK returning back into lockdown such as the city I am in (Glasgow), this feeling of stress can intensify, especially since movement and social contact become increasingly restrictive. While the stress can be overwhelming, there are ways where you can get help. You can either use our services or if more urgent contact:

Emergency Services: 999

NHS 24: 111

Suicide Helplines:

-Samaritans: 116 123

-HOPELINE UK: 0800 068 4141 (9am to midnight-daily)

Childline: (for children and young people under 19)

-Call 0800 1111 (the number will not show up on your phone bill)