Far too many people have been infected with COVID-19. Many more people have been stricken with COVID anxiety and the results are building into a tidal wave.
Will I get sick?
What about my family and loved ones?
Will I weather the financial turmoil?
Why does the country feel so divided?
These are just a few of vexing questions on the minds of Americans. It’s no wonder that so many of us feel at the mercy of unhelpful thoughts and emotions.
Anxiety is More Than Feeling Nervous
Feeling nervous in 2020 is inevitable. Anxiety, however, is a disorder. It can and does hamper your ability to function on a day-to-day basis. In light of all we are currently facing, it is essential that we not shrug off serious symptoms as “just” nervousness.
Perform a realistic assessment of yourself and examine whether or not you are:
Experiencing sleep disturbances
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Fixating on news updates
Engaging in social withdrawal far beyond the suggested mitigation tactics
These and other signs require your attention.
6 Tips to Effectively Rein In Unhelpful Thoughts, Emotions, and COVID Anxiety
1. Social (Media) Distancing
Sure, the news updates never stop coming. This does not mean you have to read them all. Even if those updates are accurate, they can be damaging when consumed in bunches. Set up regular intervals at which you can check the headlines and your news feeds. Otherwise, step away from your devices.
2. Create Routines For Yourself
With everything so topsy-turvy in 2020, the onus is now on us to create structure. Take your time and come up with a daily routine for what you need and want to do. From work to school to exercise to chore to socializing, don’t leave anything to chance.
3. Stress Management
Left unaddressed, anxiety may have you seeking stress relief via drinking, overeating, or binge-watching TV on your couch. Make active choices about your self-care. Look into ways like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to lower your stress levels. Make sure you’re making healthy eating choices, getting enough sleep, and participating in some kind of daily exercise and activity.
4. Let Go of What is Beyond Your Control
Prior to the pandemic, most things were out of your control. Now, well… let’s just say it would be incredibly helpful to narrow your focus to only that which is in your reach. Some people will or won’t wear masks. Some states will or will not institute testing. The list does on and none of it is within your control. So, let it go.
5. Connect With Others
Social distancing does not mean social isolation. Stay connected with others in whatever way feels safe for all those involved.
6. Help Others
Never before have there been so many people in need. Reaching out in any way to support them is a proven, powerful method for controlling anxiety. Nothing heals like helping others.
Help is Just a Click or Call Away
To reiterate, anxiety is a diagnosable mental health condition. As discussed above, it is necessary for you to honestly examine your current state of mind. From there, if necessary, you can take some or all of the suggested steps above. Even so, it is easier said than done. Assessing and addressing anxiety while the crisis is still peaking is a challenge to do alone. Reaching out for counseling help may never be more important than it is now. You can talk in person. You can connect via video chat or telephone. Regardless of the platform, anxiety therapy may be the most important mitigation technique you can choose. Please contact me for a consultation soon.
