Fear, anxiety, and uncertainty are all valid feelings you may be experiencing regarding the world pandemic caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). It can also cause other feelings to surface. You may be feeling stress towards being able to perform (or not perform) your work responsibilities. You may worry about protecting yourself and your loved ones, especially those that may be a significant distance away.
Tips for Managing Stress and Anxiety Caused by Coronavirus
It is completely normal to feel stress, anxiety, fear, and even anger during a difficult time like this. The best thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones is to recognize those feelings and find an outlet for those feelings that can help you cope with and manage your feelings in a positive manner.
Here are a few resources I recommend that can give you tips on managing your stress and anxiety caused by the Coronavirus.
How to Keep Coronavirus Fears from Affecting Your Mental Health
Lynn Bufka, Associate Executive Director for Research and Policy at the American Psychological Association in an article published by CNN recommends paring down your sources of information by:
- Finding a few sources you can trust and sticking with them.
- Limiting the frequency of your updates.
- Knowing when to walk away.
- Practicing social media self-discipline.
Click on the following link to read the full article on the CNN website: How to Keep Coronavirus Fears from Affecting Your Mental Health
Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
The CDC published an article with tips on how to best manage stress for people that may fall under specific categories. It includes information on reducing stress for:
- Yourself
- Others (that you interact with)
- Parents
- Responders
- People who have been released from quarantine
Click on the following link to read the tips and full article on the CDC website: Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19
Ten Ways Highly Sensitive People Can Reduce Their Fear During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Julie Bjelland, LMFT and founder of Sensitive Empowerment, whom I have written about before in a blog post, Are You an HSP, has published an article on ways highly sensitive people can reduce their fear during the Coronavirus pandemic. Here are her suggestions:
- Limit watching or reading negative news stories and soak in more positive information
- Limit or get off of social media
- Limit watching harmful tv or movies
- Get out into nature
- Practice calming mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and meditation
- Limit spending time with people who stress you out and spend more time with people who make you feel good
- Add more positives into your life intentionally
- Take care of your mind, body and spirit
- Put your stressed or fearful energy into action
- Reach out for professional support
Click on the following link to read the full article: Ten Ways Highly Sensitive People Can Reduce Their Fear During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Professional Help Managing Stress, Anxiety and Fear Caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic
The mental health professionals at Elemental Mental Health can help you to manage the stress, fear and anxiety you may be experiencing due to the Coronavirus pandemic. We offer online mental health counseling services via a secure telemental health platform so you can get the help you desire without leaving the house. It is an easy, convenient way to get help for your mental health while still staying quarantined. If you have questions about our services or would like to learn more, please complete the contact form on the website or give us a call.