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Here are some resources to help deal with the stress and anxiety caused by the Coronavirus crisis (there are links below). I think it's fair to say that everyone is feeling a bit stressed and anxious at the moment. We are dealing with a global crisis unlike anything seen in your lifetime, or your parents' lifetime. But it's important to check the facts. The news is busy sensationalising the event which is contributing to people panicking even more. Athough they are using words like pandemic and life as we know it is changing daily, the death toll in Australia is very low. Measures are being taken to prevent the spread of this virus so that we don't put unnecessary stress on our health system and to protect the vulnerable. So just calm your farm - we will get through this. Visit some of the websites below if you need help.
Headspace
Teen Vogue
Beyond Blue
Kid's Helpline

If you need something to cheer you up or lift your spirits try making a mood board of your favourite things full of photos, magazine cut-outs or drawings of your favourite things. Alternatively, print out our free Favourite Things list and fill in the blanks.

Okay, there has been a lot of hysteria, sensationalising and media hype over the Coronavirus. If you are young and healthy you have very little to worry about. Every couple of years the world has an outbreak of a new virus. We've already survived Sars, Bird Flu, Ebola, and Zika so I'm pretty sure we'll survive this one too. Apparently, if you are under 50 and don't live in China, you have more chance of winning lotto (don't quote me on that - I got it from Facebook). If you do happen to get it, most cases are mild and you recover quite easily. The Australian Health Department lists three prevention tips:
1. Wash your hands often with soap and water
2. Use a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
3. Avoid close contact with others such as touching.
The first two are common sense and you should follow them all the time. As for the third one, I will still be hugging my friends and family (unless they have recently been in China or Iran) but I won't be giving out free hugs in the mall any time soon. 

So, don't stress. I know the news bulletins can be pretty alarming as they make it sound as if the world is ending. People stockpiling toilet paper isn't helpful either. I'm pretty sure this will blow over soon.