Thread by @WHO

#MentalHealth and psychosocial considerations during
#COVID19 outbreak 👉bit.ly/2xDnG7X

#coronavirus

Minimize watching, reading or listening to #COVID19 news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed.

Seek information only from trusted sources and mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones bit.ly/2xDnG7X

#coronavirus

The sudden and near-constant stream of news reports about #COVID19 can cause anyone to feel worried.

Get the FACTS; not the rumors and misinformation.
Facts can help to minimize fear.

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#coronavirus

Protect yourself and be supportive to others.
For example, check-in by phone on neighbors or people in your community who may need extra assistance.

Working together as one community can help to create solidarity in addressing #COVID19 together.

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#COVID19 has and is likely to affect people from many countries. Do not attach it to any ethnicity or nationality.

Be empathetic to all those who are affected, in and from any country - they deserve our support, compassion and kindness.

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#coronavirus

Amplify hopeful stories and positive images of local people who have experienced #COVID19.
For example, stories of people who have recovered or who have supported a loved one and are willing to share their experience.

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#coronavirus #MentalHealth

Learn simple daily physical exercises you can perform at home.
This will help to keep you active and reduce boredom, in case you need to stay home.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Honor caretakers and healthcare workers supporting people affected with #COVID19 in your community.

Acknowledge the role they play to save lives and keep your loved ones safe.

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#coronavirus #MentalHealth

#HealthWorkers,
feeling under pressure is a likely experience for you and many of your health workers colleagues.

It is quite normal to be feeling this way in the current situation bit.ly/2xDnG7X

#COVID19 #coronavirus #mentalhealth

#HealthWorkers,

stress and the feelings associated with it are by no means a reflection that you cannot do your job or that you are weak.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

#HealthWorkers,

take care of yourself at this time.

Try and use helpful coping strategies:
🧘🏽‍♀️ ensuring sufficient rest & respite during work or between shifts
🍽 eat sufficient & healthy food
🏃🏾‍♂️ engage in physical activity
📱 stay in contact with family & friends

#COVID19

#HealthWorkers,

avoid using unhelpful coping strategies such as tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
These can worsen your mental and physical wellbeing.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Some #HealthWorkers may unfortunately experience avoidance by their family or community due to stigma and fear.

If possible, stay connected with your loved ones including through digital methods to maintain contact.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

If your children have concerns about #COVID19, addressing those together may ease their anxiety.

Children will observe adults’ behaviours and emotions for cues on how to manage their own emotions during difficult times.

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#coronavirus #MentalHealth

During times of stress and crisis, it is common for children to seek more attachment and be more demanding on parents.

Discuss the new coronavirus with your children using honest and age-appropriate way.

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#coronavirus #COVID19

Help children find positive ways to express disturbing feelings such as fear and sadness.

Every child has his/her own way to express emotions.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible, especially if children must stay at home.

Provide engaging age appropriate activities for children.

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#coronavirus #COVID19 #MentalHealth

Keep children close to their parents and family, if considered safe for the child, and avoid separating children and their caregivers as much as possible.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Older adults, especially in isolation and those with cognitive decline/dementia, may become more anxious, angry, stressed, agitated and withdrawn during the #COVID19 pandemic or while in quarantine.

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#coronavirus #MentalHealth

Share simple facts about what is going on and give clear information about how to reduce risk of #COVID19 infection in words older people with/without cognitive impairment can understand.

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#coronavirus #MentalHealth

Repeat information on #COVID19 whenever necessary.
Instructions need to be communicated in a clear, concise, respectful and patient way.

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#coronavirus #MentalHealth

If you have an underlying condition (e.g. high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer, diabetes), make sure to have access to any medications that you are currently using.
Activate your social contacts to provide you with assistance, if needed.

#COVID19 #coronavirus

Older adults and people with underlying conditions:
Be prepared and know in advance where and how to get practical help if needed, like calling a taxi, having food delivered and requesting medical care.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Older adults and people with underlying conditions:

Make sure you have up to 2 weeks of all your regular medicines that you may require.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Older adults and people with underlying conditions:

Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible or help create new ones in a new environment, including:
🏊🏽‍♀️ regular exercising
🧹 cleaning
🧺 daily chores
🎶 singing
🖼 painting

#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Team leaders or managers in health facility:

Ensure good quality communication and accurate information updates are provided to all staff.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Team leaders or managers in health facility:

Keeping all staff protected from chronic stress and poor mental health during this response means that they will have a better capacity to fulfil their roles.

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#COVID19 #coronavirus #MentalHealth

Team leaders or managers in health facility:

Rotate workers from high-stress to lower-stress functions.
Partner inexperienced workers with their more experienced colleagues. The buddy system helps to provide support, monitor stress and reinforce safety procedures.

#COVID19

Team leaders or managers in health facility:

Facilitate access to, and ensure staff are aware of where they can access mental health and psychosocial support services.

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#COVID19 #Coronavirus #MentalHealth

Team leaders or managers in health facility:
Ensure availability of essential, generic psychotropic medications at all levels of health care.
People living with long-term #MentalHealth conditions or epileptic seizures will need uninterrupted access to their medication.

#COVID19

If you are asked to be in quarantine:
If health authorities have recommended limiting your physical social contact to contain the #COVID19 pandemic, you can stay connected via email, social media, video conference & telephone.

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#coronavirus #MentalHealth

If you are asked to be in quarantine:
•During times of stress, pay attention to your own needs & feelings
•Engage in healthy activities that you enjoy & find relaxing
•Exercise regularly, keep regular sleep routines & eat healthy food.
•Keep things in perspective

#COVID19