
How to reduce COVID anxiety
STRESS CAN LEAD TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING (from CDC website):
- Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, worry, numbness, or frustration
- Changes in appetite, energy, desires, and interests
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
- Physical reactions, such as headaches, body pains, stomach problems, and skin rashes
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Worsening of mental health conditions
- Increased use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances
WAYS TO REDUCE COVID ANXIETY (from Association of Anxiety & Depression):
- Limit your media exposure especially when you feel tense or anxious
- Distract self with work, hobbies, sports, family and friends
- Avoid catastrophizing and follow CDC guidelines regarding what to do to keep yourself protected
- Focus on present odds which are quite low even in those at high risk
- Help others to refocus your attention
- Stay active and productive by planning activities
- Seek out professional help
FEAR
Fear
Hold
Don’t let in
Panic
Tighten
Don’t let it go
Terror
Grip
Don’t let it hurt
Guilt
Squeeze
Don’t let it out
Shame
Twist
Let it go
Breathe
Spiral
Let it out
Smile, breathe, and go slowly. -Thich Nhat Hanh
Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.– Robert Tew