Coronavirus Anxiety

With rising COVID-19 cases, physical isolation from loved ones, and a loss of routine, many Americans have been experiencing a mental health crisis alongside the pandemic for months. Even before 2020 turned into what it is today, 40 million adults (18.1% ) in the United States aged 18 plus are affected by anxiety each year.

Coronavirus-related fear and stress can be managed. It’s important to remember it’s okay to feel this way. Everyone reacts differently. For most of us, these stressful feelings will pass. Until then, use these tips to support your mental health — and your immunity. However, if these feelings start to become strong, please reach out to us or another medical professional. There is absolutely no shame in getting medical treatment of any kind. We are here for you!

Stay Connected with People

Maintaining healthy relationships with family members and friends is so vital for our well being. Luckily today, we have social media, Zoom, smartphones, and computers to keep in touch with those closest to us. If you can, meet up with your loved ones in person, but be sure you’re up to date on the latest social distancing guideline in MA, here.

Limit Your Media Exposure

If you struggled with anxiety before the pandemic, this is particularly important. First, not everything you read online or hear in the news is true, and second, sometimes it’s just COVID overload, and you need a break. It’s important to limit media exposure and realize that many things may be outside of our control. Be cautious and do what you can to limit infection but try not to let the situation consume you. Take a break from watching the evening news and throw on an episode of ‘Friends’ or another lighthearted show to get your mind off things.

Talk About Your Concerns

It’s normal to feel uneasy, scared, or helpless about the current situation. Remember, it’s OK to share your anxieties with others you trust. By sharing your thoughts, you may even help them cope with corona-anxiety too.

If you’re not comfortable speaking with someone you know, there are plenty of helplines you can try instead, including your friendly family physician!

Stay on Top of Your Physical Health

Did you know that our physical health plays a significant role in how we feel mentally? Are you skipping your daily workouts? Reaching for the ice cream more often than you should? Or falling into other unhealthy patterns? Not caring for your physical health will considerably impact how much stress and anxiety you feel.

Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, stay hydrated and exercise regularly. Even if it’s just taking a walk around the block, a bike ride, or an at-home 10-minute yoga session with your favorite Youtuber, what’s important is that you’re moving.

Do Thing You Enjoy

Don’t let your anxiety get in the way of continuing to live your life. We know how scary COVID-19 is, but remember, life hasn’t stopped. Try focusing on your favorite hobby, pamper yourself with an at-home spa night, watch your favorite movie, or learn a new craft. 

Now’s the perfect chance to learn how to draw, take an online language course, follow a Bob Ross painting lesson, spruce up your resume, or learn how to play the guitar. Luckily, this pandemic happened in 2020, and we have access to thousands of free online courses that can teach you pretty much anything imaginable.