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These struggles can be very taxing to your mental health, and that's why the Mental Health Unit hosted today's edition of the Ask the Experts Webcast. One of the mental health coordinators was very detailed about what you can do to look after your own mental health. Here's an excerpt of her presentation in which she described what forms the COVID-19 stress may take:

Iveth Quintanilla - Mental Health Coordinator
"It's normal for people to experience a wide range of thoughts, feelings, and reactions, such as feeling stressed or overwhelmed. And we find that this may be due to the constant media coverage of the pandemic; having to wear face masks, something that we have never done before, or because of being in quarantine or self-isolation. Anxiety, worry, or fear are the most common feelings being expressed at this time, as we have many questions of how long this will last? What is going to happen? Who will take care of my family if we fall ill? And so many other unanswered questions. Sadness, tearfulness, or loss of interest in usually enjoyable activity may also be experienced, whilst others might face physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, upset stomach, fatigue, or other uncomfortable sensations. The response of some people is frustration, irritability or anger, restlessness or agitation, having trouble relaxing, feeling helpless, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, feeling disconnected from others, or even being fearful of going to public spaces."

From there, she provided advice on best practices you can implement to care for your own mental health. Here's what she had to say about what you can do to decrease the stress levels:

Iveth Quintanilla - Mental Health Coordinator
"Looking after our wellbeing in times like this can help to reduce stress and is important in helping us to take calm, and practical actions as we face this pandemic. So, there are many ways that we can look after ourselves and build up our resilience, and by resilience, we refer to our capacity to recover from adversity, trauma, tragedy, or threats. So, one of the most effective ways we can manage stress and anxiety at this time is to focus on the actions that are in our control. So, we find that many people tend to focus on things that they cannot control."

"On a daily basis now, we have been hearing the importance of handwashing, physical distancing, maintaining our 6 feet apart from each other, practicing our cough etiquette, and cleaning surfaces that we are constantly touching. So, that is something that we can control, and we can practice on a daily basis. Another thing that we can do is acknowledge feelings. Whatever you are feeling right now, know that it is okay to feel that way. Allow yourself to notice and express what you are feeling. This could be done through journaling, talking with others, or even channeling your emotions into something creative."

"Mindfulness meditation exercises can also help people to stay grounded in the middle of this emotional storm we are facing. You can learn how to let thoughts and feelings come and go in their own time, without getting overwhelmed by them. Another activity that we can do is to maintain day-to-day activities and a routine as much as possible. So, having a healthy routine can have a positive impact on your thoughts and feelings. What are some of the things that we can do? We go back to the basics like eating healthy meals, practicing physical exercise."

"During this time of change, it's natural for our minds to think about all the usual activities that we may not be able to do at the moment. We need to make a conscious effort to shift our focus on the activities that we are still able to do, or those that we more opportunity to do if we're at home."

"Another thing that we can do as well is staying connected. Receiving support and care from others has a powerful effect on helping cope with challenges."

"We need to remember that physical distancing does not need to mean social disconnection. So, there are many ways that we can use technology to stay connected and both give and also receive support remotely."

"Some questions you can ask yourself to shift your thinking from thinking the worst to a more helpful mindset are questions like this. So, what are the things within my control? Am I am over-estimating the likelihood of the worst-case scenario? What has worked for me before, to cope with challenging situations that will serve me well during this time? What is a small, helpful, or positive action that I can take now?"

According to the Ministry of Health, there is the real possibility of being over-saturated with news about the pandemic. The Ministry suggests scheduling a particular time of the day to get all updated information, but then, you should limit that urge to continually obsess over the latest breaking news about COVID-19.

They are also suggesting changing topics when socializing with others, and guiding conversations away from constant talk about the coronavirus.