© 2024 WVIK
Listen at 90.3 FM and 98.3 FM in the Quad Cities, 95.9 FM in Dubuque, or on the WVIK app!
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

How to Maintain Sanity During the Pandemic

https://www.cdc.gov/cpr/readywrigley/documents/RW_Coping_After_a_Disaster_508.pdf
/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Screenshot of a page from an activity book for children about dealing with a disaster

The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented and very stressful, so local health officials want you to take care of your mental health. 

Focus on what you can do to be prepared, including being informed and taking control of efforts to control what you can, such as washing your hands and other prevention strategies.

Ed Rivers, Director of the Scott County Health Department, says there are more questions than answers right now.

And anxiety is a natural response but one you can handle.

"Stay calm and listen to the facts to help reduce your fears. Keep up to date on important information when needed by using trusted sources such as the CDC and Iowa and Illinois state departments of health. Focus on what you can do to be prepared, including being informed and taking control of efforts to control what you can, such as washing your hands and other prevention strategies." 

Credit Michelle O'Neill / WVIK News
/
WVIK News
Nita Ludwig, Administrator of the Rock Island County Health Department (file)

Nita Ludwig, head of the Rock Island County Health Department, agrees saying don't hesitate to reach out for help by calling your primary doctor who can provide referrals and other resources.

Here's a short list of local mental health professionals:

  • The Robert Young Center
  • Transitions
  • Center for Youth and Family Solutions
  • Vera French Community Mental Center
  • Genesis Psychology Associates

    Credit https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4885.pdf
    /
    Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, US Dept. of Health & Human Services
    Screenshot from a website article about mental health

    Here's a "Ready Wrigley" activity booklet for kids to identify their feelings and learn how to manage them.   

RW Coping After a Disaster 508 by Michelle O'Neill on Scribd

Officially, Michelle's title for 28 years was WVIK News Editor. She did everything there is to do in the newsroom and whatever was needed around the radio station. She also served as Acting News Director from September 2023 - January 2024.
Related Content