By Mayo Clinic Staff

Worries and anxiety about COVID-19 and its impact can be overwhelming. Social distancing makes it even more challenging. Learn ways to cope during this pandemic.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Copiing wiitth sttrress wiillll make you,, tthe peoplle you carre aboutt,, and yourr communiitty sttrrongerr.. 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 Di!culty sleeping or concentrating Worsening of chronic health problems Worsening of mental health conditions Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs 

Late last month, as the full weight of the COVID-19 crises was settling on the country’s shoulders, more than one in four American adults met the criteria that psychologists use to diagnose serious mental distress and illness. That represents a roughly 700% increase from pre-pandemic data collected in 2018.

This is Part 2 of 2 articles covering a key skill we need to help younger generations develop: how to self-regulate. Part 1 is here.

This is Part 1 of 2 articles covering a key skill we need to help younger generations develop: how to self-regulate. Part 2 is here.