Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations such as an infectious disease outbreak. It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions.
This page lists resources and tools to help you or someone you know deal with stress, cope with grief, speak to children about COVID-19, and support older adults or veterans stay healthy during the pandemic. Many of these resources are available in multiple languages.
Are You Feeling a Mix of Emotions during Coronavirus?
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
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Talk to Someone Now: Free and Confidential Support Resources
There are resources available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you need someone to talk to during this difficult time.
Tips and Advice for Coping during Coronavirus

Coping with Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Social distancing, quarantine, and isolation can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Finding ways to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.
- Stress and Coping (English | Español)
- Feeling Stressed? (English | Español)
- 5 Things You Should Know About Stress (English | Español)
- American Sign Language Video: Coping with Stress
- Fact Sheet: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, And Isolation – PDF

Grieving during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
People grieve and accept loss in different ways. Remember that mourning takes time and can present itself in many different emotions.
- Coping with Grief (English | Español)
- Mourning the Death of A Spouse
- Loss of a Loved One during the COVID-19 Pandemic (English | Español)

Talking to Children about Coronavirus
Parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety or fear.
- Talking to Children (English | Español)
- Fact Sheet: Talking with Children: Tips for Caregivers, Parents, and Teachers
- American Sign Language Video: COVID-19 Answering Children’s Questions

Helping Older Adults Stay Healthy at Home
Many older adults are feeling isolated in their homes, which can affect their health and well-being. Stay connected from your home by video chatting and calling friends and family.
- Stay Connected to Combat Loneliness and Social Isolation
- Older Adults and Depression (English | Español)
- Depression and Older Adults

Supporting Veterans through the COVID-19 Pandemic
Service members, veterans, and their family members may experience stress differently. There are practical steps you can take to manage anxiety and improve your wellbeing.
- National Center for PTSD COVID-19 Resources for Managing Stress (English | Español)
- Manage Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19
- President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) – More Than Ever Before
MAY
2021
About the Author: