Managing COVID anxiety

Managing COVID anxiety

Experiencing changes in social life and watching friends and relatives falling ill can take a toll on people’s mental health. Large scale pandemics like COVID can sometimes lead to job loss and changes in economic conditions. This is another trigger for stress in adults.

Stress and anxiety, during COVID times, are widespread. Coping with COVID-induced anxiety is an essential measure. Managing this anxiety is possible when you start paying attention to the details, noticing the less visible signs of anxiety and depression.

What can cause stress and anxiety during COVID?

• The fear of the unknown can be the biggest triggers of stress.
• Stress during a pandemic can have severe effects on the sleeping patterns. Insomnia and irregular sleep can have detrimental effects on mental health.
• Fear of keeping family members safe and healthy
• Work and social lifestyle changes for people in various careers
• Financial troubles caused by sluggish business growth and job loss
• Feeling isolated due to social distancing

Symptoms of anxiety during COVID

People of all age groups, including children, might experience mild to severe symptoms associated with anxiety during the pandemic. Here are some warning signs to look out for and understand whether you or a loved one is experiencing COVID-related anxiety.

• Lethargy or sluggishness in people who otherwise feel active and energetic
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Feeling exhausted even after a good night’s rest
• Changes in appetite
• Mood swings
• Difficulties in concentrating on productive tasks
• Children might display more attention-seeking behavior or might display a lack of focus

What can you do to manage COVID anxiety?

If you notice sudden behavioral changes in yourself or a family member, check if COVID-stress could be bothering the individual. There are several ways in which you can manage anxiety induced by the pandemic and nurture your mental health.

1. Social media fasting

Reading the news, looking for updates on your social media platforms are all good when done occasionally. Excessively checking social media can damage your mental health more than you can imagine. Seeing too many news articles about COVID or reading tragic stories of the many ways in which the pandemic has changed people’s lives can cause more anxiety.

2. Observe the way you react to physical symptoms

Physical symptoms of COVID like cough and sore throat are very much similar to those exhibited by seasonal flu and other infections. During a pandemic, some people might get anxious upon experiencing one or more of the physical symptoms and indulge in self-medication. Such decisions might turn out to be harmful. There are easy-to-reach COVID helplines in all cities. Reaching out to such helpline numbers for doubts regarding COVID would be a better thing to do than trusting all the information you come across and the rumors you hear. Do not hesitate to seek professional help whenever you require it.

3. Find a new hobby

With school and office timings having changed due to COVID, there are many who find a lot of spare time at hand. Others feel more burdened with work than before. Whichever category you belong to, finding a new hobby or refreshing an old one would be a good idea. Allot a specific time during each day to indulge in your hobbies. This will give you a positive distraction from the situation and make you feel motivated.

4. Stay in touch with your loved ones

Going out with friends or throwing parties might not be as easy as before. But that should not stop you from staying in touch with your friends and family members. There are various teleconferencing apps that allow you to connect with multiple friends virtually. You can use them to stay connected with friends across the globe. This will keep assuring you that you are not alone and would give you a chance to keep a check on your friends’ mental health.

5. Focus on your physical fitness

Staying physically active can give a significant boost to your mood. Sweating out in the gym might be different during pandemic times. But you can always find other ways to stay physically active. With the extra time, you find you can schedule your morning run and prepare healthier meals at home. This will not just melt stress away but also enhance your health and immunity.

Managing COVID anxiety with professional help

Whichever emotions you experience, understand that you are not alone. Learn to look inward and accept and acknowledge your emotions. Don’t hesitate to seek out professional help.

It is easy to find and schedule an appointment with one of our therapists who specialize in anxiety in Denver and nearby areas.