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Nebraska’s Athletes Turn to Our Heart Experts for Clearance to Play Sports After COVID-19

Published on March 17, 2020

Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

It is certainly a stressful, uncertain time right now. Events and schools canceling. Stores running out of essentials. You may be finding that the social outlets that you normally rely on to help with stress relief are limited due to these cancellations and limitations. It is important that you continue to reach out and connect to people you can trust through the use of the telephone, email, text messaging and social media.

Practice Relaxation, Stay Informed

It also is important that you practice relaxation skills and find alternative ways to manage your stress as well as develop a clear understanding of the COVID-19 virus, all of which can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. Below are several resources that will provide more information about the ideas suggested and more:

COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide - from the National Alliance on Mental Illness - A 22-page guide with many resources, information and coping strategies
Coronavirus and Emerging Infectious Disease Outbreaks Response - from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress - fact sheets for health care clinicians, mental health guidelines, and taking care of your family among others

If you or a loved one are struggling and experiencing symptoms of extreme stress and are in a crisis situation call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (5233) or text the Crisis Text Line (Text “START” to 741-741). The Bryan Medical Center West Campus mental health emergency room is available 24/7 to determine if hospitalization is appropriate. If you are unsure about your symptoms, please take our free, confidential, online screening.

About Dr. Dave Miers

Dave Miers, PhD, is senior director of behavioral health services at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

He helped establish the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition in 1999 and chaired/co-chaired this Coalition until 2017. Dr. Miers is a member of the leadership group for the Lincoln/Lancaster County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Dr. Miers has published research and co-authored a chapter in the Routledge International Handbook of Clinical Suicide Research focusing on family survivors of a child suicide. Dr. Miers helped develop the Lincoln Lancaster Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) team in Lincoln, Neb. He also helped develop other LOSS teams in Nebraska and is active with LOSS team development on a national level.