In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, local officials may require the public to take measures to limit and control the spread of the disease. This tip sheet provides information about social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. The government has the right to enforce federal and state laws related to public health if people within the country get sick with highly contagious diseases that have the potential to develop into outbreaks or pandemics.

This tip sheet describes feelings and thoughts you may have during and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. It also suggests ways to care for your behavioral health during these experiences and provides resources for more help.

What is social distancing?

Social distancing is a way to keep people from interacting closely or frequently enough to spread an infectious disease. Schools and other gathering places such as movie theaters may close, and sports events and religious services may be cancelled.

What is quarantine?

Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who have been exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. It lasts long enough to ensure the person has not contracted an infectious disease.

What is isolation?

Isolation prevents the spread of an infectious disease by separating people who are sick from those who are not. It lasts as long as the disease is contagious.

WHAT TO EXPECT: TYPICAL REACTIONS

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations such as an infectious disease outbreak that requires social distancing, quarantine, or isolation.

People may feel:

Anxiety, worry, or fear related to:

  • Your own health status
  • The health status of others whom you may have exposed to the disease
  • The resentment that your friends and family may feel if they need to go into quarantine as a result of contact with you
  • The experience of monitoring yourself, or being monitored by others for signs and symptoms of the disease
  • Time taken off from work and the potential loss of income and job security
  • The challenges of securing things you need, such as groceries and personal care items

Concern about being able to effectively care for children or others in your care

Uncertainty or frustration about how long you will need to remain in this situation, and uncertainty about the future

Loneliness associated with feeling cut off from the world and from loved ones

Anger if you think you were exposed to the disease because of others’ negligence

Boredom and frustration because you may not be able to work or engage in regular day-to-day activities

Uncertainty or ambivalence about the situation

A desire to use alcohol or drugs to cope

Symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, or sleeping too little or too much

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as intrusive distressing memories, flashbacks (reliving the event), nightmares, changes in thoughts and mood, and being easily startled

If you or a loved one experience any of these reactions for 2 to 4 weeks or more, contact your health care provider or one of the resources at the end of this tip sheet.

WAYS TO SUPPORT YOURSELF DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING, QUARANTINE, AND ISOLATION

Understand the Risk

Consider the real risk of harm to yourself and others around you. The public perception of risk during a situation such as an infectious disease outbreak is often inaccurate. Media coverage may create the impression that people are in immediate danger when really the risk for infection may be very low. Take steps to get the facts:

  • Stay up to date on what is happening, while limiting your media exposure. Avoid watching or listening to news reports 24/7 since this tends to increase anxiety and worry. Remember that children are especially affected by what they hear and see on television.
  • Look to credible sources for information on the infectious disease outbreak

Be Your Own Advocate

Speaking out about your needs is particularly important if you are in quarantine, since you may not be in a hospital or other facility where your basic needs are met. Ensure you have what you need to feel safe, secure, and comfortable.

  • Work with local, state, or national health officials to find out how you can arrange for groceries and toiletries to be delivered to your home as needed.
  • Inform health care providers or health authorities of any needed medications and work with them to ensure that you continue to receive those medications.

Educate Yourself

Health care providers and health authorities should provide information on the disease, its diagnosis, and treatment.

  • Do not be afraid to ask questions—clear communication with a health care provider may help reduce any distress associated with social distancing, quarantine, or isolation.
  • Ask for written information when available.
  • Ask a family member or friend to obtain information in the event that you are unable to secure this information on your own.

 

CLICK HERE to download this entire article in a PDF from our friends at Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)