THE IMPORTANCE OF STRESS MANAGEMENT DURING THIS TIME

The health and safety of our nearly 40 million Californians is the number-one priority for our state. This includes the physical and psychological well-being of all individuals. We are mindful that the public health policies and interventions necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 are affecting all facets of society and our daily lives.

These daily disruptions, coupled with the fear of not knowing what may come, are resulting in increased stress and anxiety for many. Californians have come together to practice physical distancingto slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. While we take action to lessen the immediate impacts of COVID-19 on our communitiesand our health care systems, it is also important to minimizethe secondary health effects of this pandemic.

Widespread stress and anxiety regarding COVID-19, compounded by the economic distress due to lost wages, employment and financial assets; mass school closures; and necessary physical distancing measures can result in an increase of stress-relatedhealth conditions. During this time, yourbody maybe making more or less stress hormones than is healthy.

This can lead to worsening of physical and/or mental health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, depression, smoking, or unhealthy use of alcohol or other drugs.

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