Coping With Anxiety Related to Coronavirus (COVID19)

  As many of us are at home practicing social distancing, as recommended by the CDC, the growing concern of uncertainty and anxiety comes up, especially with being isolated from our support and loved ones.

So how do we combat this increasing anxiety and possible depression?

Here are some tips on how to keep the anxiety and depression at bay while social distancing:

First and foremost, maintain your safety procedures and recommendations from the CDC.

• Wash your hands
• Stay home if you are sick
• Avoid social engagement or activities with groups of 10 or more

Next, to decrease anxiety related to the Coronavirus, if you feel more comfortable with staying informed, limit the amount of news you’re receiving and limit it to your trusted provider versus multiple sources. Much of the news we receive is translated and interpretation from the CDC, so a good source to follow directly is the CDC. Limit how much you are checking in on the news and disable alerts that will constantly be reminding you and increasing anxiety regarding the situation. As this is a slowly evolving situation, the news may not be changing that drastically to have the need for continual updates and will only create more anxiety.

Now what to do to maintain healthy emotional and mental health while social distancing?

Try to do what you would normally do within your home.

A healthy routine is important to maintain, even when staying home. If you enjoy music, reading, cooking, baking, watching shows and movies, keep at it and do what you enjoy. Physical exercise and activity are essential to maintain during this time also. If you have the space, try to do some activity around the house. Utilize the extra room, garage, living room, or backyard to get some physical activity in and sunshine. Remember, social distancing doesn’t mean you can’t be social. Complete isolation can increase anxiety and depression, so we want to be diligent in avoiding that. With technology today, social interaction is at our fingertips with phone calls, text, FaceTime or any other video call software.

Stay in touch with your social support and family. It will help!

Try something new while at home.

I hear a lot from many of the clients that I work with that they have goals that they feel they never have time for or something new that they have always wanted to try.

Now is the time!

If you’re at home and always thought of starting a new activity, try it. Now is a great time to keep ourselves distracted with some proactive and fun activities. Some examples are:

• Learning a new language
• Arts and crafts projects
• Home decorating
• DIY projects
• Board games
• Gardening

Staying active and engaged during this time of social distancing is important to maintain our mental and emotional health during a time that can add some significant stress. It’s important to remember that it’s also okay for you to feel stressed and anxious. It’s a perfectly normal response for this unique situation we are all facing. Staying active and staying connected to your support will help to manage any anxiety you may face. So, reach out to your support system and engage in something to get out minds off this current situation. If you are currently seeing a therapist, it is highly advised to continue with your regular routines if your provider is offering alternatives with Telehealth Therapy. Which is a safe alternative to in-office treatment with secure phone calls or video sessions. Remember, we are all in this together and no one has to face this ALONE during this time of social distancing.