Has COVID Had an Impact on Anxiety?
Anyone that experienced the COVID pandemic knows returning to “normal life” has not been the same. COVID has impacted mental health and anxiety in various degrees. Though everyone was impacted, some people transitioned quickly back to life before shutdown, while others have suffered from longer lasting effects (which is also normal, everyone is different). Whether it’s Generalized Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Adjustment with anxiety, or even Post Traumatic Stress, most have felt an impact.
Ways COVID has Affected Anxiety
COVID certainly came with a lot of fear and worry. Here are some other ways it has affected anxiety and mental health.
Uncertainty: COVID-19 brought a lot of uncertainty. People were worried about catching the virus, the health of loved ones, and how the future would look. This fear of the unknown made many people feel anxious. Fear of the unknown and loss of control are two main reasons people experience anxiety.
Social Isolation: To keep safe, people had to stay at home and avoid social gatherings. This led to feelings of loneliness and disconnection, which can make anxiety worse.
Disruption of Routine: Daily routines were upended. Schools closed, people worked from home, and regular activities were canceled. These changes made it hard to find a sense of normalcy, increasing feelings of anxiety. Work, school, and home life all became one continuous day. And for those with more anxious type brains, the loss of structure and routine was difficult at best.
Economic Stress: Many people faced job losses and financial difficulties during the pandemic. Worries about money and job security added another layer of stress and anxiety.
Health Concerns: The constant worry about getting sick or seeing loved ones fall ill was a significant source of anxiety. Constant news updates about COVID-19 could also be overwhelming.
Limited Access to Mental Health Support: With many services moving online or being less available, it was harder for people to get the mental health support they needed.
Tips for Managing Anxiety Post COVID
Limit News Consumption: Stay informed but don’t overwhelm yourself with news. Set specific times to check updates and avoid news before bed to help reduce anxiety. If you know fear is a trigger for you, consider taking a break from the news daily or weekly.
Stay Connected: Even if you can’t meet in person, stay in touch with friends and family through video calls, texts, or social media. Staying connected can help combat feelings of isolation.
Maintain a Routine: Create a daily schedule to provide structure. Include work, relaxation, and hobbies to give your day a sense of order and purpose.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your body and mind. Exercise regularly, eat healthy, and get enough sleep. Find activities that you enjoy and that help you relax.
Seek Professional Help: If anxiety feels too overwhelming, consider talking to a mental health professional. Many therapists offer online sessions, one benefit that came from COVID, which can make it easier to get support.
Be Kind to Yourself: It’s okay to feel anxious anytime, but especially when transitioning back to the post COVID world. Acknowledge your feelings and be patient with yourself. Taking things one step at a time can help manage anxiety.
Start Slow: If social anxiety is an issue for you, or you become easily overwhelmed by people, places or things post COVID, take it slow. Work into groups and crowds gradually and spend small amounts of time with others and build up the muscle. Rest and use plenty of self-care after events and when you feel like it has been challenging.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made many people feel more anxious, but understanding these effects and using practical strategies can help you manage your anxiety. Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. By staying connected, maintaining a routine, and seeking help if needed, you can navigate challenging times with more ease.
