Pandemic Panic

Dealing with stress in the home

“How’s your family?”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, this question hasn’t been as easy to answer as it once was.

While each of us faces challenges and hard times, it’s rare for the entire nation to experience negative stress all at once. Schedules have been turned upside down. Families are in self-quarantine. We are socially distant from some of the people we usually rely on the most.

Times like these can induce stress, anger, depression and anxiety at home. Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center offers some insight and advice to help keep emotions and mental health intact.

At Risk

When things are out of balance, love isn’t always enough to make things right. Emotional stress can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Physical illness
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Drug or alcohol abuse

Take note of any unhealthy habits or thought patterns that have begun to take root in your family. Make a decision to address them before they get out of hand.

What’s a Happy Family?

Circumstances don’t have to be perfect for home life to be good. Research has shown that well-adjusted families have the right building blocks for a strong foundation:

• Stable relationships
• A specific role for each person in the home
• Agreeable child-rearing values and methods
• Mental and physical health development

Every member of the family wants to feel valued. Every member of the family wants to be heard.

Targeting the Stress

To reduce stress in your family, work from the outside in. Focus on the basics of physical health. These tips are proven mood boosters and will give you the strength to fight your battles:

• Healthy diet
• Exercise
• A regular schedule
• Adequate sleep, going to bed and waking up at the same time each day
• Taking prescribed medications for mental and physical health

When you’re ready to go deeper:

• Talk about your stressful situations with someone you trust.
• Use relaxation techniques. Meditate, pray or go for a walk.
• Remind yourself that your current situation is only temporary.
• If anxiety and depression become overwhelming, talk to your doctor about a referral to someone who can help.

Most of all, remember that you are not alone. For more information and resources, visit www.covenanthealth.com/mental-health-services.