1. Flu Vaccine Shortage Coping with Your Fear and Anxiety The Emotional Impact Of Public Health Crises The emotional impact of a public health scare can have a powerful effect on the mental health of individuals of all ages. People naturally become alarmed when they believe that their health may be threatened. During times of heightened concerns about public health risks, it is important to take care of yourself, emotionally, as well as physically. Tending to your own mental health and emotional needs will make you a better, more reliable resource for friends and family members in their times of need. Managing stress effectively can also help keep you healthier and stronger as the flu season approaches. Managing Our Emotions in Times of Uncertainty Many Americans are concerned about not being able to get flu shots for themselves or their families. It is normal to feel anxious and worried about any disease, but rumors and misinformation can magnify these fears. Anxiety is related to a fear of the unknown and all of us are subject to this type of reaction at different times. Managing our emotions during times of uncertainty can be challenging, but you don’t have to face this challenge alone. The following information can help you explore strategies for coping and direct you to valuable resources addressing both the medical and mental health implications of the current vaccine shortage. Staying Connected The fear associated with a public health crisis can push people apart. Families and communities that are usually close and connected may respond to fears about contamination and contagious disease by isolating or avoiding social contact. If isolation becomes necessary, local public health officials will tell you how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Until then, it is important to stay connected at home, at work and in the community. If you notice that a loved one, friend or co-worker’s behavior has substantially changed, reach out and ask them how they are doing. Make some time to talk, when it is convenient for both of you, and follow up later on to see how they are doing. Watching out for each other demonstrates that you care and it can be comforting to both of you. If you or someone that you know is having an acute emotional reaction that does not subside over the period of a few days, it may be best to seek the assistance of a medical or mental health professional. Don’t Go It Alone There are many sources of support available during difficult or stressful times. The New Jersey Division of Mental Health Services operates a “warmline” to assist people with the fear and anxiety that may accompany a public health problem, a disaster or other crisis event. Counselors are available to discuss your concerns and can help direct you to other helpful resources. Counseling Warmline Toll-Free 877-294-HELP

2. Flu Vaccine Shortage Coping with Your Fear and Anxiety Strategies for Coping In the face of uncertainty about health risks, it is important to keep the extent of the danger in perspective. The vast majority of us are not in immediate danger. There are some people at greater risk of complications from the flu and they will receive whatever extra attention is necessary. As a way of managing fears related to public health risks, you should keep yourself informed but not preoccupied with media reports and credible information. You may wish to visit the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for fact sheets or call your family physician, but in general, keeping yourself informed with timely, accurate information can alleviate some of the fear of the unknown. Be aware that watching too much television about health risks can be upsetting, for you and for others around you, especially young children. Sources of Credible Information There are many sources of credible information about public health crises, including your state and local health departments and the CDC. If you have access to the Internet, you may wish to visit the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services websites: http://www.cdc.gov or http://www.state.nj.us/health Techniques for Managing Stress and Anxiety Limit your exposure to sensationalized news stories; Get accurate, timely information from credible sources; Seek out and follow the experts’ advice Educate yourself about the specific health hazard; Maintain your daily routine; Exercise, eat well and rest. Stay busy, physically and mentally Communicate with friends, family and supporters; Use spirituality and your personal beliefs; Keep a sense of humor; Express yourself through writing, poetry, drawing, etc.; Talk and share your feelings and thoughts with others. Focus on the Things You Can Do Do the things you can and should do to prevent the spread of flu. Use common sense practices, like washing your hands often, covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Trained counselors are available by phone from 9 AM through 9 PM, Monday through Friday. Remember, you are not alone in your fear and anxiety about the flu vaccination shortage, and talking helps! Counseling Warmline Toll-Free 877-294-HELP