In addition, the Red Cross is offering suggestions to help people cope:

• Stay informed through trusted resources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
• Maintain social connections through phone calls or video chats to feel less isolated.
• Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.
• Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and get enough rest.
• Be patient with yourself and others. It’s common to have any number of temporary stress reactions such as fear, anger, frustration and anxiety.
• More tips are available at the Virtual Family Assistance Center.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions such as sadness, depression, anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or someone else, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).