Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Ifeanyi Olele, DO

How can you deal with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic? Here are a few of the common discussions regarding this topic:

“What Can I Do To Be Safe?”

Safety from COVID-19 can be within our own control. We can practice social distancing, making sure we’re maintaining good hygiene such as washing our hands, cleaning the surfaces that we’ve touched or will touch, and wearing a mask when out in public.

“There’s So Much Information and It’s Causing Me Anxiety. What Can I Do?”

Choose a reliable source to obtain your information. It’s also good to limit the amount of time you spend watching the news if it’s producing anxiety. You can also pick the best time to watch news either in the morning, midday, or evening based on your level of comfort. You can also follow up on the CDC’s coronavirus site so that you can be up-to-date on current information about COVID-19.

“I’m Experiencing New Physical Sensations. Is This Normal?”

Our bodies respond differently to situations that are anxiety producing. You may experience headaches, choking sensations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, muscle tension, tremors, or sweatiness.

“What Are Some Non-Medication Techniques I Can Do To Reduce Anxiety?”

Common techniques that are used to reduce anxiety vary with different people, but here are some common coping mechanisms:

meditation
yoga
running
lifting weights
listening to your favorite music
dancing
watching your favorite shows
painting
singing
cleaning your house
doing yard work
talking with friends

“When Should I Seek Attention From a Mental Health Provider?”

When the anxiety is causing undue stress and impairing your daily functioning, you should seek help from a mental health provider such as a therapist or psychiatrist.

These are different questions that may come up when you’re experiencing anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. When you get a chance to reflect and use these tips, you may calm down and be able to control your anxiety.