Coping Skills

Learning to cope with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and those around you become more resilient.

Stress can cause the following:
• Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
• Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
• Worsening of chronic health problems
• Worsening of mental health conditions
• Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
 

Healthy Ways to Cope

  • 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 from phone, tv, and computer screens for a while.
  • Take care of your body:
  • Make time to unwind— Try to do some other activities you enjoy
  • Connect with others— Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling
  • Connect with your community - or faith-based organizations -- While social distancing measures are in place, try connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail

 

Helping Children Cope


Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for inclu
  • Excessive crying or irritation in younger children.
  • Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting).
  • Excessive worry or sadness.
  • Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits.
  • Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens.
  • Poor school performance or avoiding school.
  • Difficulties with attention and concentration.
  • Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past.
  • Unexplained headaches or body pain.
  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Ways to Support Your Child

  • Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn from you how to cope with stress.
  • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
  • Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
  • Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
  • Spending time with your child in meaningful activities, reading together, exercising, playing board games.
Amiel Segal teaches children, teenagers and adults, various coping methods and uses home-based therapy solutions for those located on Long Island, NY and in towns such as Seaford, Wantagh, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Bellmore, Williston Park, Long Beach, Melville, Hempstead, Uniondale, Merrick, Woodmere, Oceanside, Garden City, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, East Meadow, Lindenhurst, Rockville Centre, Manhasset, Freeport, Cedarhurst, Plainview, Franklin Square, Farmingdale, Lawrence, Hewlett, Island Park, Copaigue, Glen Cove, Bethpage, Westbbury, New Hyde Park, Hicksville, Levittown, Amityville, Great Neck, and Syosset.

Additional Resources


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