Dealing with stress or anxiety due to pandemic influenza

Concern over pandemic influenza can make some people anxious. It is normal to feel overwhelmed and more stressed, especially with all the media attention on pandemic influenza.

Signs you are worrying too much might include:

• Changing your daily routine (sleeping and eating habits, socializing, alcohol consumption, prescription drug use).
• Thinking about pandemic influenza a lot.
• Difficulty concentrating on tasks and making decisions.
• Not doing as well at work or school.
• Avoiding others and talking less.
• Intense feelings of irritability, anxiety or depression.

Preparing in advance and becoming more informed can help to reduce anxiety. The following steps can help you to prepare now to cope effectively and put the disease in perspective.

Get information: The best thing you can do is gather up-to-date information from a credible source in order to distinguish facts from rumours.

Be prepared: Have a plan in case you or those in your care become ill with influenza.

Talk about it: Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. This can be a family member, friend, religious leader, or teacher.

Build your resilience: Maintain a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise and rest – this is your best defence against getting sick. Keep connected to your social networks.

Talk to your children: Pandemic influenza can be upsetting to children and teenagers too. It is important to discuss this subject with them through honest and sharing of age-appropriate information.

Support others: If you notice the behaviour of a loved one, friend or co-worker has changed, ask them how they are doing. If they are experiencing intense feelings of anxiety or hopelessness, they should contact their health care provider, or an employee support program.