Whether you are in the rubber industry, the tire business, or really anywhere else these days, the stress of the coronavirus is real.
With the country and world facing uncertainty surrounding the illness officially known as COVID-19, people are worried about their families, their jobs and even their lives.
While more and more information is coming out every day, so much is still unknown.
With unprecedented steps being taken by local, state and federal governments in an attempt to control the spread of the virus, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control offers tips about how both employers and employees can deal with the mental side of the crisis.
Things you can do to support yourself:
• "Take breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting," the CDC suggested.
• "Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs," the agency said. "Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy."
Connecting with others to discuss your concerns and feelings also is helpful. And the CDC suggests contacting a health care provider "if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row."
A paradox in handling the situation involves staying informed but not being overwhelmed by information.
The virus is 24/7 these days, and the World Health Organization agrees that unplugging from the information, at times, is important for mental health.
"Minimize watching, reading or listening to news that causes you to feel anxious or distressed; seek information only from trusted sources and mainly to take practical steps to prepare your plans and protect yourself and loved ones. Seek information updates at specific times during the day, once or twice," the WHO recommends.
Separating facts from rumors also can help minimize fear, the agency said. Seeking out positive and hopeful stories and images about people who have contracted the virus and recovered also can help in times of stress.
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America suggests that people can re-frame their views on the isolation the virus will cause as more and more people stay home.
Clinical psychologist Aarti Gupta, in an article posted to the association's website, suggested people alter their time at home to an attitude of "I can finally focus on my home and myself," instead of feeling stuck inside.
She also suggested keeping a normal routine as much as possible, including keeping an "organized predictable and clean" home. "A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind," she writes.
Changes in routine also allow for new rituals, such as journaling, exercise and hobbies. "Having something special during this time will help you look forward to each new day," Gupta wrote.