Mental Health

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Mental Health

It’s normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry in difficult situations like those we face due to COVID-19 and it’s impact.

But you can do things to help yourself and your family cope.

Eight Things You Can Do To Cope With Stress

  1. Talk to a friend to stay connected and balanced.
  2. Do things you enjoy. Listen to music, walk or swim, take some deep breaths.
  3. Stay healthy. Eat healthy food, get enough sleep, exercise.
  4. Don’t use smoking, alcohol or other drugs to deal with your emotions – often they will make you feel worse.
  5. Get the facts so you have accurate information about the risks and what to do. Visit www.covid19.gov.vu or call 119.
  6. Limit the news you watch and read. Too much can make you feel more stressed.
  7. Remember, you have got through tough times before. When you have felt afraid or out of control before, what helped you to manage your stress? Use the ways you have managed your emotions in the past to help you cope.
  8. Talk to a health worker or someone you trust if you feel overwhelmed (see contact details below).

Six Things You Can Do To Help Kids Cope

  1. Be patient. It’s normal for children to be more clingy, anxious, withdrawn, angry, upset, or wet the bed if they are stressed.
  2. Give them extra love and attention. Listen to their worries.
  3. Keep a routine. Kids feel more in control when they can predict what is going to happen each day.
  4. Keep them busy. Draw pictures, do a puzzle, make a tree house, play a game.
  5. Explain what is happening in words they can understand. This can help relieve kids’ stress.
  6. Don’t separate children from their family. If children have to be separated (e.g. because a family member has to go to hospital), explain what is happening and make sure they have regular contact over the phone.

Where can I go for more information or assistance?

If you need more information or assistance please contact you nearest health facility or Mind Care Services at Vila Central Hospital (phone 22100 extension 1081).

For support during repatriation periods, you can contact the MindCare team on 7716156 or 7716155. (Free call for Vodaphone customers using 081155 or 081156).