Coping Strategies for Uncertain Times

In these uncertain times, it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. But if these feelings start to take over your life, you may need to take steps to address your anxiety.

Watch for the following signs:

• Irritability or difficulty concentrating
• Changes in behavior, including eating and sleep habits
• Increased use of substances like alcohol, tobacco and drugs
• Increased blood pressure or heart rate
• Feeling depressed or anxious

If you experience these symptoms, consider these strategies:

• Put down your phone, turn off the TV and take a break from social media and the news.
• Get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet.
• Make sure you get enough sleep.
• Stay in touch with friends and family with phone calls or video chat.
• Practice deep breathing.
• Focus on the positives in life.
• Take the time to learn something new or develop a new skill.

If you continue to struggle with negative feelings, call the Memorial Behavioral Health Emotional Support Hotline at 217-588-5509. The hotline is operated by trained mental-health professionals and will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, to help those who feel anxiety or stress around COVID-19 or other situations in their lives.