Feeling blue: Who has stress?
Friday, June 11, 2021
The short answer: EVERYONE! Most of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children.
Public health actions such as social distancing can make us feel isolated, lonely, and can increase stress and anxiety. Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you and those around you become more resilient. It is natural to feel stress and anxiety.
Everyone’s symptoms are different. If you’re generally not feeling like yourself, that may be one of the first signs you’re experiencing the blues. Other common symptoms include:
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Feelings of restlessness
- Guilt, anger, or irritability more than normal
- Avoiding talking to friends and family
- Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
- Changes in appetite or weight (more or less)
- Thoughts about harming yourself
Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress:
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Consider limiting news to just a couple times a day and disconnecting for a while.
Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Continue with routine preventive measures (such as physicals, vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc.) all which are covered in full under the TeamCare Wellness Benefit.
Make time to unwind. Do other activities you enjoy.
Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Talk to a professional, like Teladoc. Don’t write off depression. If you’re feeling sad, angry, or anxious most of the time, you may need to seek professional help.
Teladoc is here for you! You don't have to go through this alone. Choose a therapist or psychiatrist who fits your needs, and schedule visits 7 days a week from wherever you’re most comfortable. Call 1-800-TELADOC (835-2362) or visit Teladoc.com/TeamCare. Teladoc is covered in full at no cost to the patient (does not apply to members in Kaiser plans).