Coronavirus Anxiety – How To Manage Stress, Fear, and Worry During The Pandemic?

July 09, 2020

During these uncertain times, when conditions are getting worse by the day. Many people are experiencing a feeling of unease. Experts say that there is a universal presence of anxiety because of COVID-19. Though everyone is affected by the situation to some extent, people dealing with psychological issues, social issues, poverty, unemployment, sexual abuse, domestic violence, etc. are experiencing elevated levels of anxiety and fear.

Frontline workers, people who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have a family member who has COVID-19, are also exhibiting heightened anxiety symptoms. In these crucial times, when everybody is worried about their job security, rent, and utility bills, and physical health, it is essential to take care of your mental health too. Here are some tips that might help you better manage the symptoms of anxiety.

Understand the anxiety

It is essential to understand why you are feeling the way you are to manage your stress. We are witnessing a global pandemic unfold right in front of our eyes, which we have never seen before. From cities to entire countries, being shutting down is a scenario we cannot easily comprehend.

The uncertainty about what is next to come is the primary source of worry and fear for most of us. Some of us are living in the worst-hit areas, while others are preparing themselves for the reality that their neighborhood might be next. We are not sure when and how badly it will hit us, and that makes it more dangerous.

All these factors are contributing to the rising fear and anxiety among people. Now that you know why the feeling of dread is on the rise, and why you might be feeling a bit more uneasy these days, here are somethings that you can do to manage your fears.

Stay informed

Now the information is more vital than ever. Staying informed of the new development can mean the difference between being in danger and safety. Follow the usual sources of information like your local health authorities, newspapers, and tv. Be aware of the happenings in your community and follow the safety precautions to avoid getting infected.

It is also essential to know whether the information you are getting is reliable or not. There is plenty of misinformation making rounds on the internet about all the aspects of the current situation, so make sure to stay away from dubious sources and sensationalistic coverage that only spreads fear.

Practice the following to stay informed without getting too much stressed:

Follow trustworthy sources like WHO, CDC, and your local public health authorities
Do not check the news very frequently.
Stop watching or reading the news when you start to get overwhelmed.
If you don’t want to engage in watching the news, ask someone you trust to inform you.
Do not share anything before checking its validity.

Divert your attention to things you can control

When things are seemingly out of anyone’s control, it is essential not to get lost in questions that do not have any answers. Worrying about when the pandemic will end, or what’s going to happen in our locality, will not let you relax. Though you cannot know when the current situation will be over, you can do your part to slow down its effects.

Doing the following activities will make you feel in control and reduce the risk of catching the virus:

Wash your hands with water and soap or with an alcohol-based sanitizer multiple times a day.

Do not touch your face.
Don’t go outside unnecessarily.
Avoid large gatherings.
Stay 6 feet away from others.
Get plenty of sleep to improve your immune system.

Connect with people

Humans are hardwired to seek connections, and current social isolation guidelines can make it hard for us to get in touch with others. Not getting enough human contact can make us feel agitated and stressed, so make use of social media and try calling your friends.

With all the different apps available to us, it is not very hard to get in contact with anyone we want to. Talking to someone can significantly improve your mood and help reduce the feeling of depression and anxiety.

While using social media can be a blessing under these circumstances, be aware of the things on social media that can trigger your anxiety. Block those people or keywords that can make you feel stressed and remember to log off these apps and sites after a while. Spending hours at a time on these platforms is also not good for your mental health.

Take care of yourself

Self-care is also an essential aspect that you should practice. Here are somethings that you can do to blow off some steam and relax:

When you experience increased depression or anxiety, remember that you are not struggling alone.
Do the things you like, such as playing video games, reading a book, or watching a movie or tv show, cooking, or finding something new to do.
Go out (if possible) and get some fresh air.
Do some exercise.
Try relaxation methods like meditation, yoga, or breathing exercises.
Avoid taking medicines without consulting a professional first.