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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The reason we’re seeing widespread panic around the coronavirus is probably because there are so many unknowns. But taking some simple steps can help us keep our anxiety under control.
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