Coping with CoVid-19 Anxiety
|Posted on 23 March, 2020 at 22:40|
Australia and the world has not seen anything like the CoVid-19 (known as CoronaVirus) threat. Not since the Spanish flu has there been a pandemic threat like this and not since World War II have we felt our resources stretched in quite this way.
We are all impacted personally, financially and emotionally.
Anxiety is a normal response to threat.
Anxiety calls us to action - our blood is pumping to our extremeties, we are ready to run or fight!
Anxiety becomes a problem when we are limited in what we can do - we're ready for that fight/flight but have nowhere to go and this is true for many of us in the case of CoronaVirus. Sometimes the anxiety gets turned into symptoms like thoughts that just won't stop or let us sleep or bodily aches and pains. Other times it turns to action like frenzied cleaning or overstocking the pantry (ok these make sense at some level when preparing for a crisis, it's when we can't stop and leave it that we might need a bit of help).
Ways to cope with CoronaVirus Anxiety
Take reasonable precautions - things like good hygiene - handwashing in particular and social distancing make sense and reduce the risk of cross-infection.
Ensure you learn the Facts - by checking trusted sources of information such as www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert and World Health Organisation
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 - Relying only on Television and Social media for information can heighten anxiety. Take a break from all media at times.
Change your Focus - be reminded of how well you have coped in difficult times before. Ask yourself am I assuming the worst (keeping in mind that Coronavirus is often very mild and for many there is a smooth recovery.
Practice Self-care - use the extra time at home to practice relaxation or hobbies. The internet has many short clips for meditation, mindfulness and easy yoga stretches. Also for workshop projects, craft and baking. Maintain social connections but be creative in this environment of social distancing. We are fortunate that technology supports us to connect remotely with the touch of a button.
If you need to talk further contact us at BayWellbeing for a consultation. These teleconference or telephone sessions can be provided FREE of CHARGE with a Mental Health Care Plan.