Coping with stress

When life feels uncertain or when we don’t generally feel safe, it is normal for the mind and body to respond by feeling stress. Stress is a normal reaction that is hardwired in our body to help protect us with “flight or fight.” When stressful situations occur, like the COVID-19 health emergency, a normal response is to feel threatened by the uncertainty. We may feel a lack of control about what will happen or what we can do to prevent further stress. This uncertainty might also remind us of past times when we didn’t feel safe. If we don’t do things to help ourselves, our well-being can be negatively impacted.

Well-Being Alaska

The Division of Behavioral Health has announced its new Well-Being Alaska resources to provide Alaskans with tools to build resiliency for those affected by stress during these uncertain times.

Well-being is having good mental health, life satisfaction, a sense of meaning or purpose, and the ability to manage stress.  Well-Being Alaska offers healthy ways to cope, encourage self-care, and reduce stress. Here are well-being steps you can choose to use today:

• Keep kindness at the forefront.

• Keep the body strong.

• Keep the mind strong.

• Keep connections strong.

• Keep to the facts.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace the information you may have received from your health care provider. If you are experiencing any issues please contact your provider. For questions about COVID please email covidquestions@alaska.gov.

Resources for families and children

Alaska Children's Trust and Help Me Grow Alaska have compiled a list of online resources that are designed to support Alaska's families and children:

• Resources for children and families in response to COVID-19

Resources provided by child trauma experts at Child Trends and the Child Trauma Training Center at the University of Massachusetts:

• Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic
  

Resources from CDC