Words appear on a blue background as reflective music plays.
ON SCREEN TEXT: Is it Extra Stress Due to COVID-19,
or Something More Serious?
Dr. Randall Solomon shares tips for recognizing
when it's time to seek professional help.
In an office, Dr. Randall Solomon speaks to the camera. Diplomas hang on the wall behind him.
DR. SOLOMON: Stress and anxiety is something that's normal. It's a normal response to stress; anxiety is a normal response to being anxious about something, of course. But during these times when there is extra stress, it is very normal to feel stressful.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: What are some signs or symptoms
of stress or anxiety?
DR. SOLOMON: Some things you might notice will be a change in appetite, a change in your sleeping patterns, difficulty concentrating, or increased use of alcohol or drugs.
ON SCREEN TEXT: Change in appetite and sleep
Difficulty concentrating
Increased use of alcohol and drugs
Dr. Solomon speaks to the camera.
DR. SOLOMON: These can all indicate signs that there's more of an emotional problem than you might be expecting.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: How can stress impact your
overall health?
Dr. Solomon speaks to the camera.
DR. SOLOMON: Acute stress is a normal response, and it's the body's way of adapting to stress. Chronic stress, however, which goes on for days or weeks, can then start actually harming the body.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: The Potential Health Impact of Chronic Stress
Reduction in immune system response
Depression
Irritability
DR. SOLOMON: It can reduce your ability to fight infection. It can make you feel depressed. It can make you feel irritable.
Dr. Solomon speaks to the camera.
DR. SOLOMON: There's a saying--if it lasts a day and goes away, it probably isn't that much of a problem. But if you see something that's sticking around, if you notice a trend where--if you miss one night's sleep, you miss one night's sleep. If you're not sleeping for two, three nights in a row and it's not getting better, that's a good indication.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: How might professional support
help someone struggling?
Dr. Solomon speaks to the camera.
DR. SOLOMON: First of all, it's very validating. You will hear the, "Yes, your symptoms probably are stress, and yes, they are manageable, and yes, there is something you can do about them." They will help you identify the problems that you're having. They'll also be able to provide you with ways of managing those problems and managing those symptoms and things to do to just help you to improve your own emotional wellbeing and your emotional health so that you are functioning at your best.
A white background with the UnitedHealthcare logo fades in.
ON SCREEN TEXT: UnitedHealthcare®
Every person may experience stress differently. Anyone in need of emotional support is welcome to call the Optum support helpline.
Trained mental health specialists are available 24/7. The number is 866-342-6892.