Check out our tops tips for managing anxiety about Coronavirus/ COVID-19.
We’ve also created downloadable posters in a variety of languages.
Avoid Fake News
Try to avoid speculation or sensationalised news and look up reputable sources on the outbreak, such as local government guidlines or the World Health Organisation, who also have country by country breakdown.
Limit news about Coronavirus
Try to limit how much information you look at in the news and social media. This includes Twitter, Instergam and Facebook. Mute or Unfollow some channls/profiles you follow. Maybe set aside a specific time of day to do a check-in with the current situation.
Seek out positive stories
Balance out the news, by searching for positive news stories, or recognising things that are positive in your life. WHO recommends to find opportunities to amplify the voices, positive stories and positive images of local people who have experienced the novel coronavirus and there are also other amazing things still happening in the world!
Look after yourself, physically and mentally
Keep doing things you enjoy, they can also provide distraction, which has long been a useful tool for those with ongoing anxiety issues as it helps redirect your mind off current emotions. For example, yoga, netflix party with friends drawing or even starting a new hobby. You can find a large selection of ideas on the Anna Freud Centre’s SELF-CARE page.
Check out youth news
If you have more youth related news channels, watch them and check them out as they will probably offer a more relevant take on the situation for you and your peers.
Remind yourself that we’re all in this together
Remember: you are not alone! Everyone is anxious in various ways about the current state of the world, this is NORMAL and it’s okay 🙂
Talk about it
Talk about your anxieties with friends and family. Like any mental health problems, they only get better if you talk about them. So, stay connected.
Volunteer (if it’s safe to do so)
Help those in a more difficult situation, such as elderly, or those with chronic illness.
Try not to make assumptions
Don’t judge people and avoid jumping to conclusions about who is responsible for the spread of the disease or those acting differently.
Keep in contact with education and employment
If this is impacting your studies or work, make sure to stay in touch with relevant institutions or employment laws in your country. Contact them if you haven’t heard anything.
Be kind to yourself and others
Above all else, be kind to each other. Try to remember we are in this together, and everyone will be dealing with things in their own way.
Posters
Euro Youth Mental Health 