The spread of a novel coronavirus, COVID-19, throughout Spokane and the United States has resulted in unprecedented disruptions to our lives. With orders to self-isolate and shelter in place becoming common, people are dealing with serious, sometimes critical situations that most of us have no prior experience dealing with. Many people are suffering from elevated anxiety, which is completely normal and understandable given the threat we’re facing. Anxiety occurs when we believe we’re in some sort of danger or when we face a significant challenge. It also rise when we feel our ability to take care of ourselves and our loved ones is threatened.
A recent poll found the following worries to be among the most prevalent in America since the emergence of COVID-19.
- Getting seriously ill or dying
- A loved one becoming gravely ill
- Being ruined financially
- Being unable to afford healthcare
- Exposing loved ones to the virus
- Loss of income due to workplace closure or layoffs
- Fear of being alone
Taking Care of Yourself During a Crisis
There are some things we can do to help ourselves manage anxiety during this stressful time.
- Keep a routine. Even though millions of us are working from home, it’s important to keep to a routine. A routine is a way to create order and structure during a period of chaos. This means going to bed at a particular time and getting up at a set time. Although you can set ranges for going to bed and rising, as well as meals, it’s a good idea to observe those ranges daily.
- Limit your exposure to negative social media. It’s important to reduce your daily intake of “fear-feeding.” This means limiting your exposure to upsetting social media and news that’s distressing. Although staying abreast of developments is important, dwelling on the worst news provokes anxiety.
- Use the internet to relax. You can distract yourself with entertainment sites on the web, many of which have opened up their media libraries for free or reduced cost. Self-distraction works well for all kinds of anxiety.
- Eat a healthy diet. It’s harder to eat well these days. Our trips to grocery stores have become limited and getting fresh fruit and vegetables may become difficult. Eat them when you can. Adding a single multivitamin supplement to compensate for any potential access to fresh foods may be helpful.
- Get outside (legally). If you can safely get outside while maintaining at least a six-foot distance between you and others (more is better), do so. Fresh air and sunlight lift the spirits, while exposure to sunlight helps stabilize your circadian rhythm.
- Exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do to reduce anxiety.
- Don’t worry about worrying. Everyone is worried these days, and don’t beat yourself up for being scared, either.
If you need support in this stressful time, Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
