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How to handle anxiety during COVID-19

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How to handle anxiety during COVID-19

 

With the rapid spread of the coronavirus across the globe, people have taken to their homes as per the advice of the World Health Organisation. Social distancing is extremely important during these times to avoid contracting the disease and to decrease the possibility of spreading it to someone who is more susceptible.

 

However, in the midst of this all, there is one thing that escapes our attention in such a scenario. In a world full of generations that have never known what a pandemic is like, or how to live through one, these circumstances are indeed very unique to us all. And coping with the situation is not easy, even if we are merely at home, waiting for this to pass us by. While conversations around mental health have begun, it’s important to take stock of your own coping mechanisms, especially if you struggle with conditions like anxiety.

 

Anxiety levels across the world have shot up for a number of reasons. Many worry about their loved ones who live far away, and many are also torn up about their own health. The simple flu-like symptoms that the disease first presents before progressing to a more severe stage may also cause stress and paranoia. Moreover, people without jobs or people who have recently left old jobs may feel increasingly stressed about their employment status. 

 

Anxiety is also a real possibility for those who are working from home or remotely. This is because the mind usually associates a home environment with unwinding and relaxation, and setting up a workstation here has the opposite effect. The mind slowly becomes unable to associate home as a place of relief or leisure. This makes it difficult to step out of the workplace mindset, increasing anxiety and tension, which carries on throughout the days, piling up and leading to symptoms of burnout.

 

Symptoms of anxiety during this time may show up in a number of ways. Apart from a feeling of fear, panic, and worry, symptoms include changes in sleep patterns and appetite, substance abuse, difficulty concentrating, headaches, sweating, etc. These symptoms differ from person to person but can appear in moderation or extremes and with frequency day after day. This makes it important for the person in question to recognize this and take a step back to assess the situation and their options.

 

If you struggle with anxiety, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you cope better:

 

  • Remember that it is normal to feel fear and stress about a disease
  • If you are on any medication for your mental health, continue with the treatment
  • Reach out to a psychiatrist or mental health expert if you find your symptoms are worsening or getting in the way of performing daily activities
  • Continue your therapy sessions online or telephonically
  • Take care of your health by getting proper sleep, eating right, and getting exercise and a daily dose of sunlight
  • Keep in touch and connect with your loved ones frequently
  • Engage in other activities that you enjoy, like reading, meditating, painting, dancing, and more to unwind
  • Stay away from the news and social media if you feel distressed hearing about the disease. Ask a friend or family member to keep you informed when it’s important for you to know something
  • Set boundaries with your work. Create and stick to a routine to avoid having work spilling into your leisure time to unwind 

 

There are many more resources available online now that you can use at your disposal to reach out for the help you need. These are trying times for all of us, so please remember you are not alone in feeling the way you are, and that the first step is asking for help.

 

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