The last few weeks have been unsettling for many. During the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), managing your mental health should be as much of a priority as your physical health. Everyone reacts differently to stress and anxiety, and consequently, there are many coping strategies and resources available for people from all walks of life. Please share these resources with anyone who may benefit.

For everyone:

University of Vermont Medical Center has put together several resources for managing stress and anxiety that may be caused or amplified by the pandemic. These resources can be used by everyone.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a deeply comprehensive guide of resources and tips for coping with stress and anxiety for people in different groups, such as parents, responders, those recently released from quarantine, and more.

For health care providers and personnel:

Healthcare professionals on the front lines of the pandemic are subject to heightened levels of stress and anxiety. They in particular should prioritize self-care, which in turn sustains their ability to care for those in need. Review this guide listing strategies for sustaining the wellness of healthcare personnel. This resource was created by the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University – https://www.cstsonline.org.

For families:

Have children who are having difficulty coping and need help starting a conversation with them? Check out this video: Vermont Family Network’s Puppets in Education Anxiety short for COVID-19. The skit provides tips and tools for parents and their children to use when worry is feeling “big.” Watch the clip together, talk about worry, and what other tools you can use to decrease anxiety when it feels overwhelming. Download the handout “Get the Conversation Going” that goes with the video. For additional mental health resources, visit The Vermont Family Network website.

Finally, RiseVT has been hard at work curating resources daily to help families and individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find articles and ideas focusing on nutrition, exercise, and general wellness via RiseVT’s channels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and their website.