The emotional impact of public health emergencies can have a powerful effect on the mental health of individuals of all ages. People naturally become alarmed when they believe that their health may be threatened. During times of heightened concerns regarding public health risks, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), avian influenza and other illnesses, it is important to take care of yourself and to monitor your own emotional reaction. Tending to your own mental health and emotional needs will make you a better, more reliable resource for friends and family members in their times of need.
Managing Our Emotions in Times of Uncertainty
It is normal to feel anxious and worried about a spreading disease, especially if scientists have not identified a cause or a cure. Anxiety is related to a fear of the unknown and all of us are subject to this type if reaction at different times.
Managing our emotions during times of uncertainty and risk can be challenging, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The following information can help you explore strategies for coping and direct you to valuable resources addressing both the medical and mental health implications of these risks.
Strategies for Coping
In the face of uncertainty about health risks, it is important to keep the extent of the danger in perspective. The vast majority of us are not in danger and should go about our daily routines without significant fears of contracting SARS, Avian Influenza or other contagious diseases. This is the advice of medical experts.
As a way of managing fears related to public health risks, you should keep yourself informed but not preoccupied with media reports and credible information. You may wish to visit the Federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention website for fact sheets or call your family physician, but in general, keeping yourself informed with timely, accurate information can alleviate some of the fear of the unknown.
Be aware that watching too much television about health risks can be upsetting, for you and for others around you, including young children.
Sources of Credible Information
There are many sources of credible information about public health emergencies, including your State and Local Health Departments and the CDC. You may wish to visit the following website:
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.state.nj.us/health