Best Suggestions On Managing Anxiety During The COVID-19

The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected billions of people across the world in terms of both physical and mental health. It has caused mental strain to many while its impact on people with mental illnesses is even harsher, especially for depression, stress, and anxiety patients. According to the data from GoodRx, prescription fills for mental health care reached the peak in 2020. 

Even though the fears about the COVID-19 pandemic have taken an emotional toll on people with anxiety and depression, there are still many effective ways to tackle this problem.

In this article, our health care experts share the best suggestions on how to manage anxiety during this difficult time.

Seek Social Support

This pandemic demands optimum social distancing to avoid infection from coronavirus. However, we still can be in touch with our near and dear ones virtually.

When you are suffering from anxiety or depression, support from your loved ones can make a huge difference. When you discuss your problems, share your worries, and connect with supportive people, you feel less stressed, isolated, and lonely.

Avoid Behaviors That Fuel Your Anxiety

Specific actions can boost your anxiety and germ-phobia. For example, reading too much information on Google about the Covid-19, focusing too much on physical symptoms, etc. Such actions do nothing but add more to your panic and anxiety.

Therefore, it is important to understand such unhealthy behaviors and replace them with more helpful, healthy, and positive coping strategies that can reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety.

Stay Away From Wrong Information & Avoid Unhelpful Media

Engaging yourself in panic-induced stories continuously can make your mind feel that there is indeed something alarming. This can drain out your positivity and replace it with myths, uncertainty, anxiety, panic, rumors, and misinformation.

For this reason, it is crucial to perform activities that can take our minds off pandemic-related thoughts. Reading, watching, or hearing more and more about it can make you more frightened and anxious. So, it’s better to stay away from it.

It is indeed good to stay informed. However, over-exposure to news, media, and social media for the information can do no good. Mental health in COVID-19 can be well managed if you limit your exposure to excessive media. 

Learn To Channel Your Negative Thoughts

Anxiety occurs when we feel that nothing is in our control and we are unable to cope up with it. When we are anxious, our mind tricks us into believing that only the worst can happen to us and makes us even more frightened.

So, you need to stop worrying about the things that are not in your control. Instead, focus on that which you can accomplish.

Rely on trusted sources for the facts about the COVID-19 and follow the guidelines suggested by your government to keep yourself and your family safe in isolation.

Practice Mindfulness And Gratefulness

When we notice good things in our lives, it boosts the dopamine and serotonin levels in our brain. These are also known as feel-good hormones. We recommend finding ways to feel grateful about positive things around us as it can help you cope.

Apart from this, practicing mindfulness is one of the best ways to deal with anxiety, stress, and depression. If you are aware of the mindfulness techniques, that’s great. If you are new to it, you can follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Find a quiet place to sit or lay down
• Close your eyes
• Focus on how you breathe
• If distracted, don’t panic. Get your focus back to breathing
• Continue this for 10 to 15 minutes.

Take Care Of Body & Spirit

In this trying time, it is essential to take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. You need to have healthy meals, get optimum sleep, and practice meditation in order to ensure you are well in all these terms.

Beyond this, you can try the following self-care techniques to deal with disruptions caused by the pandemic:

• Get out in nature (only if possible)
• Engage yourself in the activities you love
• Try to maintain a routine
• Exercise regularly
• Say no to self-medicating
• Be kind to yourself

Get Professional Help

You can always seek help from professionals to take care of your mental health. They can help you get rid of your anxiety, stress, and depression through several effective therapies and counseling.