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It’s fair to say that there’s no getting away from coronavirus at the moment. It’s all over the news, and it’s all your friends are talking about (over WhatsApp at least – do these conversations sound familiar?). Which isn’t great if you’re already feeling anxious about it all.

Distracting yourself from coronavirus anxiety

For many of us, a good starting point to reduce stress is by not obsessively reading news stories about COVID-19. Yes, it all seems very unreal and is a very fast moving situation. But poring over articles about those badly affected and figures going up will just make you feel more anxious. Keep abreast of developments, particularly ones that concern your family. But then put down your phone, or switch off the news.

Listening to music stations on the radio can help feel you less isolated and keep you positive, while still informing you about key developments. Switching off completely from thinking about COVID-19 by watching your favourite TV show, reading a book or phoning a friend can help. Walking the dog or going for a walk or run are also great stress-relievers. Please do follow current social distancing measures when exercising though.

We should all try to remember that this situation will pass, and that hopefully within a few months the outlook will be brighter. Supporting each other and spreading positive messages isn’t just a nice thing to do, it can make us feel more in control of what’s happening by doing something concrete.

Aside from general anxiety and a feeling of helplessness, there are other particular worries, below.

Pregnant women

For pregnant women, there are some very specific concerns and questions about COVID-19. We put together some useful FAQs for you about coronavirus and pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and using formula.

Kat, mum to Sophie, 6, and Eva, 4, is due to give birth in the summer. She says:

“I think anxiety among pregnant women has upped with the government advice about us. Even though I know it’s still not likely to be too bad if I catch it, there still is a worry that they don’t actually know whether it can affect the baby.”

These concerns are completely understandable. If you’re pregnant, Public Health England (PHE) does advise that you are extra careful observing social distancing. See the full advice here.

Following these guidelines might give you some sense of control, and reassurance that you’re doing all you can to protect yourself and your baby.

Self-isolation fears

Self-isolating at home can feel pretty claustrophobic. Without a change of scene, or seeing other people to some extent going about their day, everything can feel all the more overwhelming.

You’re probably also worried about the health of your family, if it’s possible that a family member might be infected already.

Katie, mum to Dylan and Rosie, says:

“My daughter has a mild temperature so we’re self-isolating. Although I know she’s likely to be fine, if she has been infected with COVID-19 then we’ll all probably get it within the next couple of weeks. I’m worried about how it’ll affect us all. Is it too much to hope that we’ll all have mild to moderate symptoms?”

Again, following the government guidelines as much as possible will hopefully give you some sense of control. Even if one member of the household is infected with COVID-19, it doesn’t necessarily mean everyone will get it, especially if you take care to wash your hands and keep as much distance from each other as possible. We know this is easier said than done with a family!

Our concerns are often for our children above ourselves, so it is some reassurance to know that children are more likely to develop mild to moderate symptoms than adults.

If things feel like they’re getting on top of you, NHS guidelines say you can go outside to exercise in your garden if you have one or a public space. But if you do this, you should stay at least two metres away from other people. So if there is open green space nearby, a walk outside might help reduce your anxiety and be good for your little one.

Here are some more tips on coping with self-isolation while pregnant and with a baby, and for staying fit and healthy while pregnant or with a baby.

Anxiety for our parents

Worrying about how COVID-19 might affect loved ones in the older generation is a very real concern for most of us. Unfortunately, grandparents and older people are more at risk of being severely affected by symptoms of COVID-19.

The only way we can support them now is by staying in touch with frequent phone calls or video calls, where everyone can check in with each other.

You can do shopping for them if they need, but drop off groceries on their doorstep. Hopefully this will just be for the next few months, and it’s important to protect their health.

Money worries

Aside from obvious concerns about the health of ourselves and our loved ones, some of us might be very worried about money. This is especially if self-isolation or illness means that you or your partner can’t work.

The government has announced some measures to help, including support for businesses and those struggling to pay their mortgage. If money issues are affecting you, contact your bank and see what help might be available.

Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

Interactive, engaging and social, our live online antenatal course is a great way for you to meet other local parents, and get essential unbiased information and knowledge about pregnancy, birth and early days with your baby.

Read the the NHS advice on what you should do when you’re self isolating to try and prevent passing on the virus to other people at home.

Take a look at the latest public health guidance for pregnant women and parents.

The Mental Health Foundation has useful tips for looking after your mental health during the coronavirus pandemi c.

Information you can trust from NCT

When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust.

All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities.

If you are interested in our live-online courses: