As the coronavirus continues to spread globally and the number of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 cases continues to rise there is a rise in the anxiety as well. This can be observed in the practices of many psychologists already. Although it is normal to feel anxiety about a threat, the prolonged high anxiety will undermine the reaction of a human being to the crisis. People already suffering from anxiety and disorders related to them are likely to have a difficult time dealing with this situation.
1. Practice anxiety tolerance: Intolerance to uncertainty situations makes you vulnerable to anxiety attacks. This is an increasing trend in the U.S. There is only one solution and that is accepting the uncertainties of daily life and ease back on the behavior leading to uncertainty. Begin by making small changes such as not asking your friend for an answer when you have a query. Go on a mountain trek without checking the weather forecast. This builds your tolerance for uncertainty. Stop consulting the internet for the latest news on coronavirus outbreak.
2. Try to get rid of the coronavirus anxiety-related paradox: If you try to get rid of anxiety it rises proportionally as put by an eminent professional “What you resist persists.” There are different ways of tackling the anxiety. People may try distracting themselves by eating, drinking, or watching internet movies more than normal. Or they may get assurance from family, friends, or health professionals. Continuously checking the news for the latest updates can lead to obsession. All this can have momentary benefits but will have long term negative impact on anxiety. Rather allow these feelings and thoughts to wash over you as accepting anxiety is an integral part of human life. Facing anxiety for the moment will lead to lesser anxiety in the long run.
3. Never Underestimate Human Resilience: Several people fear how they can manage if the coronavirus shows up in their city. Will they be able to cope up with quarantine, early closures, or lost paychecks? The human mind is ready to jump to a negative conclusion quickly. But research says that people overestimate how they will be adversely affected and underestimate their ability to cope with tough situations. Remember, you are more resilient than you think.
4. Do not overestimate the threat: Coronavirus is dangerous but it has a fatality rate of around 2%. However, the wise thing to do is to take the necessary precautions against any infections. But many times people tend to exaggerate the risks involved in unfamiliar threats compared to the ones such as car accidents or flu. Constant media coverage elevates the sense of danger and leads to increased fear. For reducing anxiety it is recommended that you listen to the coronavirus news for no more than 30 minutes daily. When there is no clear precedent available we tend to become more anxious. Anxiety makes things look more desperate.
5. Increase Your Self-Care Efforts: During these anxious times, it is significant that you concentrate on the tried and trusted anxiety prevention strategies. Get regular exercise, adequate sleep, practice meditation, spend time in nature and use other relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Prioritization of the activities during the coronavirus crisis will go a long way towards increasing the psychological health and improving immunity.
Conclusion
The coronavirus anxiety and the disorders related to it can be overwhelming to many people. The anxiety-related symptoms can interfere with work, socialization, and maintaining close relationships. When this is the problem you are facing you can get professional help from The TMS Advantage who are experts in treating mental health issues. Some medications and treatments such as cognitive Behavioral Therapy can treat these anxiety issues well.
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