Coping with Stress The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. Many of us are facing challenges that can be stressful, overwhelming, and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but they can make us feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. 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 It is natural to feel stress, anxiety,