Stress Management Quick Tips

Stress, to some degree, is normal. During times of crisis, however, our levels of normal everyday Stress are compounded by stressors associated with the crisis at hand.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has presented many individuals with new worries associated with health, employment, and isolation. As our stressors increase, and our outlets for dealing with stress such as exercise, recreational activities, and socialization diminish, we are at greater risk for developing unhealthy responses to stress including the development of anxiety disorders.

Here is a brief look into symptoms to be watchful of both in terms of your residents as well as yourself and coworkers on the frontline.

Identifying Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress

For Residents:

• Sleep Problems (too much or too little)
• Appetite Loss
• Compulsive worries
• Distractibility
• Somatic Complaints (increased pain, headache, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal discomfort)

For Staff:

• Poor concentration
• Irritability
• Frequent call outs or absenteeism
• Disconnection from patients

Tips for Stress Management

For Residents:

• Encourage participation in meaningful activities that residents can engage in, even in solitude.
• Remind residents to focus on the things you can control as opposed to those you can’t.
• Maintain a calm environment, minimize triggers for stress such as over-exposure to upsetting news programs.

For Staff:

• Consider engaging in mental health treatment if stress becomes overwhelming and difficult to manage or if it effects your ability to effectively do your job.
• Practice self-care by eating right, getting exercise, follow a sleep schedule, carve out time for yourself.
• Seek out mental health services from a provider in your community should you need more support.

How to Refer

1. Obtain a physician/nurse practitioner order stating: “MediTelecare to Evaluate and Treat for Psychiatric and Psychological Health”
2. Email the doctor order to our intake team at [email protected] along with

• MediTelecare Referral Form
• Authorization to Screen, Evaluate and Treat
• Resident facesheet with insurance and demographic info

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