5 Ways to Deal with COVID-19 Anxiety

I get many questions from people asking how can they deal with this COVID-19 anxiety that they’re experiencing.

1. “What can I do to be safe?”

Safety from COVID-19 is within our own control. We can practice social distancing, making sure we’re maintaining good hygiene such as washing our hands, cleaning the surfaces that we’ve touched, and wearing a mask when out in public.

2. “There’s so much information it’s causing me anxiety. What can I do?”

Choose a reliable source to obtain your information. It’s also good to limit the amount of time you spend watching the news if it’s producing anxiety, and it’s best to watch news in the morning, midday, or end of the day based on your level of comfort.

You can also follow up on the CDC’s coronavirus site so that you can be up-to-date on current information about COVID-19.

3. “I’m experiencing new physical sensations. Is this normal?”

Our bodies respond to different situations that can produce anxiety. You may experience headaches, choking sensations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, muscle tension, tremors, or sweatiness.

4. “What are some non-medication techniques I can do to reduce anxiety?”

Common techniques that are used to reduce anxiety vary with different people, but here are some common ones: meditation, yoga, running, lifting weights, listening to your favorite music, dancing, watching or listening to your favorite comedies, cleaning your house, doing yard work, and talking with friends.

5. “When should I seek attention from a mental health provider?”

When the anxiety is causing undue stress and impairing your daily functioning, you should seek help from a mental health provider such as a therapist or psychiatrist.

These are different questions that may come up when you’re experiencing anxiety due to COVID-19. When you get a chance to reflect and use these tips, these might be better ways for you to calm down and be able to control your anxiety during COVID-19. Stay blessed.

Author

Dr. Ifeanyi Olele Ifeanyi Olele, DO, MBA, MS, is a board-certified psychiatrist who sees adolescent and adult patients in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area at Genesis Psychiatric Solutions. Dr. Olele is a dedicated psychiatrist in the treatment of anxiety, depression, trauma-related stress disorders, and attention deficit disorders. Dr. Ifeanyi Olele is one of the few psychiatrists who utilizes psychotherapy (talk therapy) as part of his treatment plan.