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How To Handle COVID-19 Anxiety

Handling COVID-19 Anxiety

Good day to all my followers and readers, I know we are all struggling to cope with the coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic, there maybe feelings of fear, stress and anxiety during this time but at the same time we need to consider our mental health which is at a delicate stage right now. In my country the spread of COVID19 is relatively slow but we all still fear of the potential damage it can do to our country. There is so much going on around the world right now, creating anxiety and fear everywhere, but the thing is that there is hope and there are a lot of people are recovering daily.

Today my blog will be on how to cope with the fear and anxiety during the COVID19 pandemic.


Stress and Coping

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been stressful for many people. There is a lot of fear and anxiety about a disease and this maybe overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Being able to cope with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

4 Questions About COVID-19 Anxiety

1. How do I know if I have anxiety about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)?

If you’re worrying excessively about the coronavirus disease and are feeling a lot of fear that you find difficult to control, then you may be experiencing anxiety. You may also have some of the following symptoms:

  1. Fatigue

  2. Irritability

  3. Trouble sleeping

  4. Rapid breathing

  5. Trouble concentrating

  6. Panic attacks

  7. Obsessive thoughts about getting sick

2. What should I do if the nonstop news about COVID-19 is making me anxious?

If you’re feeling anxious from reading or listening to the constant coverage of COVID-19, chances are you’re consuming too much of it, too often. Consider selecting two to three reliable resources to gather your information from, and aim to read, listen to, or watch them just once or twice a day. This is a problem I lot of people are having during the pandemic.

3. What can I do right now to manage my COVID-19 anxiety?


One of the best ways to manage anxiety is to aim to actively separate your most rational thoughts from your worst fears about the COVID-19 virus. Take time to gather the necessary facts about the disease, such as via the CDC’s information on symptoms and the various preventative measures you and your family can take. Stay up-to-date on steps your local and state governments are taking to prevent its spread — jot everything down if it helps — then create a step-by-step plan that addresses those facts to keep you and your family healthy. Focus on the problems you can solve rather than the what-ifs, as well as how you can contribute to the overall health of your community.

It’s also important to limit how much you focus on COVID-19 during the day. Ask yourself, “When am I thinking clearly about the situation, and when am I just panicking about my fears?” Don’t hesitate to turn off the TV or call a friend to chat about something completely unrelated. Be sure to keep moving (even short spurts of exercise indoors help) and get enough sleep; both will help keep your mood lifted. And don’t hesitate to reach out to your therapist or doctor if the symptoms of anxiety feel unmanageable.

4. Should I talk to a therapist about my COVID-19 anxiety?


If you’re experiencing symptoms of anxiety that interfere with your daily life, work, or relationships, then therapy may be useful to you. Getting your fears about COVID-19 off your chest in a nonjudgmental space can help you think more clearly when devising a fact-based plan for taking care of yourself and others during a pandemic. Therapy can also help you build communication skills that can assist you in navigating conflicts with family members that could arise due to COVID-19 anxiety.

Given current travel limitations and the need for social distancing, in which you should stay six feet away from other people, ask your current or potential therapist if they offer phone or video sessions.


Things you can do to support yourself during difficult times

Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Helping others cope with their stress can also make your community stronger.

  1. Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

  2. Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.

  3. Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

  4. Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.

AMY

 
 
 

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