Anxiety and loneliness affect many people at the best of times. The pandemic-induced isolation and stress won’t be helping, but cities can do many things to improve the ‘emotional climate’.
During times of stress and anxiety we either dream more or remember our dreams more often, as a way of coping with challenging circumstances and new information.
Most people felt they were doing OK – with lots of TV and news updates.
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You can’t ask a child to sit still for 45 minutes and focus on their breath. But mindfulness activities can be adapted for children – and they might come in handy during these stressful times.
New research shows that, contrary to popular belief, young people are anxious about the impact of coronavirus on their own lives and on their communities.
People take part in a ‘applause for care’ flash mob as part of a campaign to acknowledge the work of employees working in healthcare in Amsterdam.
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Gratitude has a strong connection to well-being, but more than that, two psychologists say, it could have a powerful effect on others. So, don’t hold back when it comes to expressing it.
Buddhist monks have been chanting sutras to provide spiritual relief during the coronavirus crisis. A scholar of Buddhism translates some Buddhist teachings into ways we can deal with uncertain times.
Pick the mindset that makes you better able to respond.
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A global pandemic is anxiety-provoking for most people. But modifying the way you perceive the situation can set you up to deal with it more effectively.
The uncertainty and instability around coronavirus can exacerbate existing mental health problems or contribute to new ones. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of mental ill health.
Go on! Read a good book, tickle your kids, pick a flower from your garden. We need to savour these tiny moments of pleasure to ease the stress we all face.
Meditation might be one way of calming anxious thoughts.
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We can use anxious thoughts as triggers to engage in activities that not only manage anxiety but to help us build positive mental health habits for the future.
It’s normal to feel worried, anxious and edgy amid income losses, working from home requirements and concerns about loved ones’ risk of coronavirus. But some people will need mental health support.
Perinatal anxiety can happen during pregnancy and up to one year after giving birth.
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Our research found that stigma often prevents women from getting help for this hidden illness.
Stress about the coronavirus pandemic can actually increase your risk of infection, but exercise can alleviate the immune system’s stress response. Above, a lone jogger in Ottawa, on March 17, 2020.
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Families should establish new daily routines, avoid bombarding children with current events or exposing them to misinformation, and practice basic methods that keep anxiety in check.
Parents should talk to their kids about COVID-19 pandemic by using language they can understand.
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It’s natural for children to be aware of the stress adults may be feeling about the COVID-19 pandemic. Child psychologists offer some practical advice for parents on how to talk to their kids.
Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary
Assistant professor, School of Psychology, Scientist, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa