We are living in unprecedented times. Many are feeling anxious and alone. These times may be especially trying for someone with a mental health condition. Please remember to check in on each other and spread messages of hope. At JEM, we are worried that we aren’t speaking enough about the importance of mental health during this pandemic. You, or someone you know, may see an increase in depression and anxiety symptoms during this time and you may be unsure how to address it. Here are 5 ways to reduce your anxiety during Covid-19.
Furthermore, we are concerned that if we don’t address mental health concerns from Covid-19 now, we are going to see a considerable surge in suicide attempts, depression, and anxiety. We need to do more to focus on the importance of mental health right now because it really does matter.
It is normal to feel concerned with everything that is happening. Here are just a few ways that we can reduce anxiety due to the Corona Virus.
1. Limit your exposure to news and social media. Schedule only 2-3 times a day where you can check the news or your social media feeds, as continuous watching can feed anxiety.
2. Focus on what you can control. There is madness all around us, and there is a lot we can’t control, which only adds to our anxiety. We can’t control what is happening with our retirement accounts right now, we can’t control the outbreak, and we can’t necessarily control how other people are reacting. So, focus on things that you can manage to help reduce your anxiety like how many times you wash your hands, doing thins around your house, and how you react to things. Even though you can’t control how other people behave, you can control how you do.
3. Breathe. Breathing can help us manage anxiety. Take just a few minutes every day to breathe. If you want to go even further, download some free meditation apps and dedicate 10 minutes a day to meditation.
4. Get plenty of rest. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can impact your mood and your stress levels.
5. Go outside if you can. Be safe and practice social-distancing, but if you’re feeling stressed or anxious, go for a walk, take your shoes off and walk in the grass, stand on your balcony, or simply go outside and breathe. Connecting with nature is a great way to reduce your anxiety.
If you need access to resources please visit our mental health resources page
To access AZ’s Corona Virus page, Arizona Together, please click here
I appreciate the advice about checking the news only 2-3 times a day. For the most part, I have been able to keep my anxiety pretty level during the whole pandemic, but I’m afraid it’s been building up. I’ll be sure to try some of these tips to get a grip with my anxiety and keep being hopeful.
Thanks, Taylor for your reply. I too have to stop myself from looking at the news too much. I am trying to limit it to once a day in the evening so I can stay informed, but I find more than that and my attitude definitely changes. It is easy to become anxious. I find I am able to stay calmer without too much news. I hope things are going well for you.