Stronger Together 2024

Be calm, be safe and think before you approach people who may need support. Ascertain people’s needs and concerns by listening and help them to feel calm. Reach out to those who are the most affected or in greatest need of help, including elderly people, people with disabilities, children and their caregivers. Share information and connect people with loved ones and social support.

Listen to others, comfort them and participate in regular social activities, while respecting physical distancing measures that may be in place. Don’t hesitate to accept and ask for help from those you trust. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker, social worker, similar professional, or another trusted person in your family or your community.

It is normal to feel sad, distressed, worried, confused, scared or angry during these difficult times. But if symptoms cause difficulty with daily functioning or last more than one month, it is time to seek professional help.

If you must stay at home, maintain a healthy lifestyle (including a proper diet, sleep, exercise and social contact with loved ones at home). If possible, keep in touch with family and friends through email, phone calls and making use of social media platforms. Draw on skills that you have used in the past during difficult times to manage your emotions. Have a plan where to go and seek help for physical and mental health and psychosocial needs, if required.

However, when you drink or use drugs it takes longer to overcome the painful feelings and anxiety. Alcohol and drugs alter your thoughts, judgement, decision-making and behavior. Moreover, alcohol weakens the immune system, and increases the risk, frequency and severity of perpetration of interpersonal violence.

Seek information only from trusted sources, such as WHO/PAHO website or your local public health agency, and mainly to take practical steps to protect yourself and loved ones. Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice. Get the facts, not the rumors; facts can help to minimize fear and stigma.

COVID-19 is affecting people from many countries, in many geographical locations. Do not attach it to any ethnicity, disability, nationality or profession. Be empathetic to all those who are affected, they have not done anything wrong, and they deserve our support, compassion and kindness. Find opportunities to amplify positive and hopeful stories and positive images of local people who have experienced COVID-19.

Honor caretakers, healthcare workers and other frontline workers supporting your community and helping to prepare and respond to difficult situations. Acknowledge the role they play to save lives and keep your loved ones safe.

Remember, strength does not mean carrying the burden on your own. Being strong means taking care for yourself and caring for and accepting help from others. It is alright to show emotions. Talk about your feelings and do not rely on drugs or alcohol, or taking risks that could affect you and your loved ones.

Help your family and the community but also focus on yourself. Violence is never to be accepted. Break the cycle of violence by reaching out to supportive family and friends, seeking support from a hotline, or seeking out local services for survivors. Have a safety plan in case the violence escalates. This includes having a neighbor, friend or relative or shelter identified to go to in the event you need to leave the house immediately for safety.

Children may respond in different ways: clinging to caregivers, feeling anxious, withdrawing, feeling angry or agitated, having nightmares, bedwetting, frequent mood-changes, etc. Discuss difficult situations with your children with honest and age-appropriate information. Children will observe adults’ behaviors and emotions for cues on how to manage their own emotions during difficult times.

Help children find positive ways to express disturbing feelings such as fear and sadness. Engaging in a creative activity, such as playing, and drawing, can facilitate this process. Maintain familiar routines in daily life as much as possible, especially if children are confined at home. Make opportunities for children to play and relax.

Keep children close to their parents and family, if considered safe for the child, and avoid separating children and caregivers as much as possible. If children are separated from their caregivers, ensure regular and frequent contact (e.g. via phone, video calls) and re-assurance.

People with disability can be even more excluded during times of crisis and can have a negative impact on mental health, when they may fear being left behind. Ensure positive mental health messaging can be accessed by people with disabilities.

Feeling stressed is an experience that you and many of your colleagues are likely going through. Stress and feelings associated with it are by no means a reflection that you cannot do your job or that you are weak, even if you feel that way. Managing your stress and psychosocial wellbeing during this time is as important as managing your physical health. If your stress worsens, you are not to blame; if you feel overwhelmed, please seek appropriate support.