As the coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to many changes and difficulties in the world, increased anxiety and mental health challenges are on the rise. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty of what is still to come have left many people struggling with anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic in their daily life.
Are you experiencing a higher level of stress and anxiety? It’s important to know you aren’t alone and that there are coping skills you can employ to navigate this time. Keep reading for the signs of increased anxiety and tips to help you cope in the healthiest way possible.
Common Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxious feelings and fear related to COVID-19 are especially common among those with a higher risk of disease complications. However, even if you and your loved ones are not immunocompromised, daily media coverage and uncertainty about the future can lead to a wide range of anxiety symptoms, including:
- Excessive worrying and fearful feelings, such as a sense of dread
- Difficulty sleeping
- Increased fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Unusual irritability and tension that makes you feel on-edge most of the day
- Increased heart rate
- Hot flashes and sweating
- Uncontrollable trembling or shaking
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
While it is common to experience some level of anxiety due to the world’s events, seek help from a qualified counselor if your anxiety is interfering with your daily life.
How to Cope with Anxiety and Fear Related to COVID-19
It’s important to understand that while anxiety can feel overwhelming and like it will never go away, it doesn’t need to be a permanent part of your life. You can develop coping skills to manage your anxiety effectively.
Here are three coping skills you can employ to manage and even overcome anxiety symptoms during the pandemic and beyond:
Tip #1: Identify Your Anxiety Triggers and Avoid Them
Do you feel especially anxious after watching the news or reading news stories on social media? Consider limiting your intake of news stories or avoiding them altogether. You can ask friends and family to update you from time to time on current events, but giving your mind a break from the continual media intake may alleviate some of your symptoms.
Tip #2: Find a Trusted Friend to Share Your Struggles
Rather than suffering in secret, talking with someone else about what is causing your anxiety may help you process your thoughts and emotions. Sharing with a friend can make you feel better long after the conversation.
Tip #3: Shift Your Mind to a Happier Moment or Place
Your thoughts have tremendous power in your life, and you have the ability to shift your mind from a state of worry to a more peaceful and positive place, even amidst the stress and uncertainty of COVID-19. Try identifying your negative or fearful thoughts and replacing them with a positive thought, quote, or mantra.
Support and Counseling to Help You Manage Anxiety
The world may continue to live with COVID for months and even years, but compassionate counseling services are available to help you navigate these stressful times. You shouldn’t have to face continual worry, fear, or anxiety that impacts your daily life.
At Positive Living Psychotherapy, our experienced professional counselors are here to guide you. Connect with us online now, or call 770-552-0333 to schedule a session if you are living with increased anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic or other world events.