Managing Anxiety About the Corona Virus

I had someone on Instagram message me. She’s in Italy, under quarantine, and she’s scared. She asked me if I could make something to help her and her younger family members handle the fear and anxiety about the corona virus or (Covid-19).

And truly, I didn’t know what to say because I’m scared and anxious too.

It’s like my Anxiety has a whole new host of storylines to obsess about and play in my head. Saying “Don’t Worry” doesn’t make us not worry. So I’m going to do some research and share the best tips I can find for me and for you.

First, let’s talk about how the CDC recommends dealing with stress and anxiety right now. Here’s a list the CDC created.

• Avoid excessive exposure to media coverage.
• Take care of your body by doing all of the the things that calm you down. Deep breathing, meditation, stretching, sleep, body movement.
• Add extra time for stress relief in your day – don’t use that time to scour the internet obsessively
• Connect with other people through calls/texts/internet

How to support your children

• Reassure them that they are safe but are also able to talk to you when they feel upset
• Share your own stress/anxiety coping mechanisms with them so that they can learn how to cope from you
• Limit their exposure to the news
• Create a sense of routine and structure

For responders

• Learn the symptoms of secondary traumatic stress and that it might affect you
• Allow yourself recovery time
• Create a list of self-care activities – do them frequently
• Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed

Mentalhealth.org.uk has some tips for people in quarantine or self-isolation

• Keep in contact with your loved ones through social media, text, and phone calls
• Create a daily routine that prioritises self-care
• Read, watch movies, exercise, spend time on a hobby you haven’t made time for
• Try new relaxation techniques and coping skills
• Make your mental health a priority

Here are some other sources: How to survive coronavirus anxiety: 8 tips from mental health experts , How to Deal With a Quarantine If You’re Struggling Emotionally, Taking care of your mental health during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) outbreak

For more tips check out my blog posts on Self-Care for Anxiety and Self-Soothing

I think it’s important to talk about anxiety and it’s important to focus on our mental health right now too. So many people are struggling with the fear and uncertainty. We’ve just got to love each other (and ourselves) a little more right now.

How’s your anxiety about the corona virus?