COVID-19: How to Cope with Anxiety

The burden of mental health disorders continues to grow with significant impact on an individuals’ health. Anxiety Disorders are conditions characterized by persistent, excessive, uncontrollable apprehension and worry about everyday things.

By Lisa Ghiloni, PhD, MSN, RN

The burden of mental health disorders continues to grow with significant impact on an individuals’ health. Anxiety Disorders are conditions characterized by persistent, excessive, uncontrollable apprehension and worry about everyday things. Physical symptoms related to anxiety disorders include sweating, palpitations, and feelings of stress. The unpredictability in situations has an impact on people with anxiety disorders. COVID-19 has created a lot of anxiety for individuals especially those with pre-existing diagnoses. Individuals with a history of psychological issues are at increased risk for anxiety and depression. Additionally, the impact of comorbid diseases of the respiratory, autoimmune, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine systems creates even more stress on an individual. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Thus, the importance of taking care of yourself is extremely important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) recommends the following strategies to cope with stress and anxiety during COVID-19 outbreak include:

Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news and social media
Take care of your body (meditate, eat healthy, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs
Make time to do some activities you enjoy in your home (read a book, listen to music, work on a puzzle, or watch a movie)
Connect with others through a video platform

Individuals with preexisting depression and anxiety should continue their regular treatment plan. Lastly, there are resources available for individuals who are experiencing anxiety related to COVID-19. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline provides crisis counseling to individuals experiencing emotional distress due to natural and/or human caused disasters. The Disaster Distress Helpline is 1-800-985-5990.

References

Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Stress and coping. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Disaster Distress Helpline. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline