How you might be feeling
In response to the Coronavirus pandemic we have all been asked to take extraordinary measures to protect ourselves and others in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 and reduce the rate of infection.
As a result we have had to contend with major changes in our lifestyles whereby everyday routines that instil a sense of stability have given way to short-term survival practices.
Changes of this magnitude can bring about feelings of insecurity and heightened anxiety but it is important to appreciate that there is nothing unusual about such reactions.
Common concerns that you may have in the current climate include:
The risk of contracting the virus yourself
The physical health of yourself and your family
Ongoing employment prospects
Feelings of loneliness
What the future holds in general
Anxiety is a normal response
Anxiety levels inevitably differ among individuals, however, when faced with a threat, anxious thoughts are a normal response. Such concerns can, in turn, cause physical changes in your body.
You may, for example, experience symptoms such as a racing heart and/or butterflies in your stomach. Heightened anxiety also interferes with concentration levels and can deplete your energy and sleep.
In response you may find yourself withdrawing from others and engaging less with your normal day to day activities. Alternatively, you may find yourself becoming restless and/or overdoing certain activities.
As you are probably aware the primary symptoms of Coronavirus (Covid-19) are a high temperature, a persistent cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Should you be experiencing any of these symptoms you are advised to visit the NHS website shown below which also offers advice on how to arrange a test for Covid-19 and guidance with regard to the rules and regulations applicable to Lockdown.
To view the site visit:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
Reducing anxiety
Remind yourself that it is perfectly normal to feel anxious under the current circumstances and you are in good company: many others are feeling the same way
Try to limit the time you spend researching information related to Covid-19 and focus on other news stories instead
Only use reputable sources and websites to obtain information such as: www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19
Try to distract yourself from anxious thoughts (phone a friend!) and set aside time for more constructive/pleasurable activities
Take regular exercise while ensuring that you can distance yourself from others
Coping strategies
With a view to taking control of your anxieties it is often helpful to balance passive relaxation techniques with more active behavioural strategies
Relaxation techniques include Diaphragmatic breathing and Mindfulness Meditation.
There are various Apps designed to guide you through breathing programmes and meditations. Two of the most popular are Headspace and Calm
Reading and/or engaging with projects you have previously put aside are classic examples of beneficial refocusing
Remain connected and talk regularly to family, friends and acquaintances
Useful Links:
https://psychcentral.com/blog/coronavirus-anxiety-4-ways-to-cope-with-fear/