Managing Your Own Anxiety in the Midst of COVID-19

During the current coronavirus pandemic, we have been bombarded with information from multiple sources–live news reports, social media posts, and word of mouth–reiterating the rising statistics and potential dire consequences of exposure to the virus. Some of us may respond with fear and sense of lack of control, potentiated by the lack of information or conflicting information. We may have a variety of responses including:

  • Anxiety
  • A sense of isolation
  • Fear
  • Depression
  • Sadness
  • Anger
  • We may be experiencing a period of grief and loss, due to the changes in our routine and possibly income

Tips for managing anxiety during the coronavirus outbreak

Young woman traveling with protective mask To help manage in these times, we offer the following tips:

  • Keep a daily routine. Get dressed, eat a healthy breakfast and schedule your activities
  • Do not change your healthy sleep patterns.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Engage with family and friends via telephone, WhatApp, Face Time, etc. Visual connections will become important as time goes on.
  • Discuss a plan with family about how to support each other. Bring food to elderly relatives, coordinate home schooling,
  • Talk calmly with your children. See our blog on What to Say to Kids About Coronavirus.
  • Keep in touch with your employer. This will help reduce your anxiety related to not knowing what your job future holds.
  • Practice Mindfullness.
  • Get outside on a daily basis.
  • Limit social media to no more than 2 hours per day
  • Wash your hands!!! OFTEN!!!

If the above suggestions do not help ease your anxiety to a manageable level, you may benefit from talking to a psychologist or other mental health professional. We are taking calls and scheduling appointments, both via phone and in person.

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