The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for many reasons – it can be difficult to cope with fear and anxiety, changing daily routines, and a general sense of uncertainty. Although people respond to stressful situations in different ways, taking steps to care for yourself and your family can help you manage stress.

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones 
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns 
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating 
• Worsening of chronic health problems 
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs

If you are experiencing stress or other mental health concerns, you can find additional resources at https://employees.nih.gov/pages/coronavirus/how-to-cope.aspx.

You can also directly contact the NIH Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 301-496-3164.