It's okay - daily life looks different for everyone at this time

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - It has been a few weeks (though it may seem like months) since business shut their doors, nonessential workers were asked to stay home and nonessential travel came to a screeching halt in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and COVID-19.

This current situation may be stressful for people though it affects everyone differently. 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, says the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Some of us are overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression or anxiety. We are sitting around in sweats and eating all day, unsure of what to do. Could some of what we are feeling lead to suicide?

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, says the CDC.

How people are spending their time at home is shared on social media hourly. It appears many people are learning new skills, cleaning out closets or doing crafts while others joke about eating too much, sleeping, or going crazy with new homeschooling tasks and a houseful of family members sharing the four walls.

There is panic, isolation, and fear to go along with all of the above, but how we steer ourselves through these uncertain times is key to having a successful outcome.

"Take care of yourself," said Lisa Utzig Schafer, program coordinator of the Suicide Prevention Network for El Dorado County. "Don’t feel like you have to be doing things like everyone else - You don’t need to write that novel, you don’t need to emerge from this with a beach body."

Lisa said most agencies in the South Lake Tahoe area that deal with mental health are seeing fewer calls than normal. Many are currently coping and in survival mode. With money issues and no cash coming in for what could be weeks, they expect to see a rise in calls as things appear to be crashing down on people.

Being in crisis mode allows one to be busy as they try to make it work.

Things seem like they may be fragile for a while, Lisa said, and not go back to the way they were so how one handles the situation is crucial.

How to Cope

Look at being at home as a time to finally slow down and not having to keep to a hectic schedule.

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. Shower, get dressed, go outside and take a walk, exercise and get plenty of sleep.

Take deep breaths, stretch.

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.

Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

Make sure you connect with "your people." Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

Join one of the new virtual classes for cooking, yoga, crafts.

If this isn't working, there are online and phone helplines to guide you through what you are feeling. Just remember, it's okay to not be experiencing the new situation the same as everyone else. Life looks different for everyone.

There is a free 24/7 crisis text line available to the public. Text 741741 about any type of crisis and they'll connect you to the right person to talk to. Or call them at 1-800-273-8255.

If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others:

- Call 911
- Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline, call 1-800-985-5990, or text TalkWithUs to 66746
- Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224

From the CDC:

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.

Watch for behavior changes in your child. 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

Ways to support your child

- 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 ok 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.