Coping With Anxiety In The Middle of A Pandemic
When the nation’s leaders declared the coronavirus as a pandemic, everything shutdown to slow the spread and safeguard citizens. Most people assumed it would last a few weeks or months at the latest, but as time went on, things only got worse. Here we are a year later, and while some things have improved, the pandemic continues to plague the world.
Adding fuel to the fire, things like civil unrest, natural disasters, and economic struggles escalated to new heights. Unsure of what the future holds, many people are feeling anxious. What’s going to happen next? When will it be safe to return to normal activities (if ever)? And more importantly, when will this all be over? It weighs heavily on the minds of millions of people as they try to press forward.
Finding Emotional Relief Amid Chaos
When there’s so much happening that you have no control over, it’s easy to get anxious. Although you can’t single-handedly change things, you can find emotional relief. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety due to the pandemic, consider these options below.
Reduce Media Intake
The information in the media can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. You hear news reports and social media videos discussing current events, giving their opinions, and even supporting conspiracy theories that cause your mind to go into overdrive. Although you need to be informed, reducing your media intake can ease your mind. Limit your time listening to the news, podcasts, and social media content to soothe anxiety symptoms.
Counteract Negative Thoughts
Overcoming anxiety means getting out of your head. That negative voice exacerbates your innermost fears causing you to worry constantly. Although living in these times is bound to generate overwhelming feelings, you have to cast them out. Replacing those thoughts with realistic or optimistic information will ultimately relieve your anxiety. For example, “I’m worried my kids will contract COVID-19 if we go out.” can be replaced with “I’ve taken all precautions to protect my family and reduce our risks.”
Seek Professional Help
If your anxiety has reached a point that you’re unable to function properly throughout the day, it’s time to seek help. You can start with your doctor. Discuss your symptoms and get recommendations for a licensed therapist. A therapist will talk with you to get a better understanding of the cause of your anxiety and help you develop healthy ways to cope. If necessary, they may prescribe antidepressants like Xanax. Ensure that you ask questions about any prescribed medications like, “how does this medication work?”, “How long does Xanax high last?”, and “What are some of the side effects?” It is vital that you take the medication as prescribed to prevent addiction or other adverse health problems.
Appreciate The Good
There’s a lot going on that you can’t change. Rather than focusing on those things, learn how to appreciate the good. Evaluate the silver linings in the pandemic. Shutdowns enabled you to take a break from your hectic lifestyles and spend time with your family. Use this time to improve your life and build stronger bonds that will last a lifetime.
Help Those In Need
Taking the focus off your problems and how the pandemic is impacting your life can reduce your anxiety. What better way to do this than to help those in need? Knowing that you’re serving a purpose in someone else’s life when they’re at a low point makes you feel good from the inside out. Whether you offer to run errands for your elderly neighbor or volunteer at a shelter, it can provide emotional healing.
When you look at the state of the world today, it’s easy to get anxious about what lies ahead. Allowing yourself to remain anxious, worried, or afraid about things you cannot control can lead to physical and emotional problems. If anxiety during the pandemic is a problem for you, use the tips listed above to cope.
