This tip sheet describes common reactions after pandemics and other disasters and suggests ways to cope. It also covers financial stress and signs of the urgent need for mental health assistance and lists sources of help and support.
A pandemic is an epidemic of disease that often spreads quickly across far-reaching areas, affecting many people. Few pandemics have affected as many communities around the world as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Pandemics and other disasters involve physical danger and also stress that can overwhelm survivors’ usual coping strategies, both during and after the disaster. After a pandemic or other disaster, people often notice changes in how they feel, think, and act, and they may not realize that these changes are reactions to the disaster.
Population: Families
Links:
- Read the full tip sheet Tips for Survivors of a Pandemic: Managing Stress, created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Learn more about the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- Read the report Higher Stress Can Lead to Mental and Physical Health Disparities,from the American Psychological Association.
- Read the article COVID-19 Mental Stress Hits Latinxs More by ABC News.
- Access the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Coping with Stress resource page.
Date: 2020