The Emotional Impact of Public Health Crises

The emotional impact of a public health scare can have a powerful effect on the mental health of individuals of all ages. People naturally become alarmed when they believe that their health may be threatened. During times of heightened concerns about public health risks, it is important to take care of yourself emotionally, as well as physically.  Tending to your own mental health and emotional needs will make you a better, more reliable resource for friends and family members in their times of need. Managing stress effectively can also help keep you healthier and stronger as the flu season approaches.

Managing Our Emotions in Times of Uncertainty

Many Americans are concerned about not being able to get flu shots for themselves or their families. It is normal to feel anxious and worried about any disease, but rumors and misinformation can magnify these fears. Anxiety is related to a fear of the unknown and all of us are subject to this type of reaction at different times.

Managing our emotions during times of uncertainty can be challenging, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The following information can help you explore strategies for coping and direct you to valuable resources addressing both the medical and mental health implications of the current vaccine shortage.

Emotional Reactions to Public Health Crises

While everyone reacts in their own way to a public health risk, some of the more common reactions may include:

Physical Changes

• Increased stress
• Headaches, fatigue
• Elevated pulse, blood pressure
• Changes in appetite
• Unusual aches or pains
• Sleeping poorly

Emotional Changes

• Panic, anxiety
• Distrust, fear
• Anger, irritability
• Sadness, depression
• Blame
• Feeling overwhelmed

Changes in Thinking

• Impaired concentration
• Problems with work or school
• Memory problems
• Obsessive thoughts
• Preoccupation with health issues

Behavioral Changes

• Isolating or avoiding others
• Possible increased alcohol or substance use
• Excessive cleaning or washing
• Overly-cautious, jumpiness

Keep in mind that these are all normal reactions to abnormal circumstances.

Strategies for Coping

In the face of uncertainty about health risks, it is important to keep the extent of the danger in perspective. The vast majority of us are not in immediate danger. There are some people at greater risk of complications from the flu and they will receive whatever extra attention is necessary. 

As a way of managing fears related to public health risks, you should keep yourself informed but not preoccupied with media reports and credible information. You may wish to visit the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for fact sheets or call your family physician, but in general, keeping yourself informed with timely, accurate information can alleviate some of the fear of the unknown.

Be aware that watching too much television about health risks can be upsetting, for you and for others around you, especially young children.

Sources of Credible Information 

There are many sources of credible information about public health crises, including your state and local health departments and the CDC. If you have access to the Internet, you may wish to visit the following websites:

• http://www.cdc.gov/
• http://www.delaware.gov/

Staying Connected

The fear associated with a public health crisis can push people apart. Families and communities that are usually close and connected may respond to fears about contamination and contagious disease by isolating or avoiding social contact. If isolation becomes necessary, local public health officials will tell you how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Until then, it is important to stay connected at home, at work and in the community.

Often the best source of assistance in dealing with the emotional aspect of a crisis is found in each other. If you are anxious about a health risk, talk to someone you love or trust. This may be a family member, friend, clergy member or teacher. Just don’t keep your fears to yourself.

If you notice that a loved one, friend or co-worker’s behavior has substantially changed, reach out and ask them how they are doing. Make some time to talk, when it is convenient for both of you, and follow up later on to see how they are doing. Watching out for each other demonstrates that you care and it can be comforting to both of you.

If you or someone that you know is having an acute emotional reaction that does not subside over the period of a few days, it may be best to seek the assistance of a medical or mental health professional.    

Techniques for Managing Stress and Anxiety

Here are some useful suggestions for coping with the stress and anxiety stemming from a public health crisis:

• Limit your exposure to graphic news stories
• Get accurate, timely information from credible sources
• Seek out and follow the experts’ advice
• Educate yourself about the specific health hazard
• Maintain your normal daily routine
• Exercise, eat well and rest
• Stay busy- physically and mentally
• Communicate with friends, family and supporters
• Use spirituality and your personal beliefs
• Keep a sense of humor
• Express yourself through writing, poetry, drawing, etc.
• Talk and share your feelings with others

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