The Mental Effects of Covid19

As we stay at home alone or with families and loved ones, we are filled with overwhelming emotions. We are bombarded with the news of COVID19 and all the other depressing things that are happening in our world. We are dealing with the fear of the unknown, anxiety about how long this pandemic will last, worry about health, economic hardship, joblessness, online learning, teaching our children, working at home, and the list goes on and on. People are glued to their phones and social media eagerly waiting to hear the number of new cases, the number of deaths and how many recovered from COVID19. Staying updated can be a daunting task, which involve staying up late wrestling with sleeplessness.

This need to know everything has created added stress for many people. Anxiety is a normal emotion that serves a purpose in our lives, but chronic stress can be dangerous.  Chronic anxiety or a constant or prolong state of heightened anxiety can be harmful for an individual.  A prolong heightened anxiety can cause some of the following:

•  Increased heart rate, sweating, and or chest pain
• Decrease appetite or binge eating
• Having trouble sleeping
• Feeling detached or unreal

·         Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems such as stomach pain including indigestion, gas and bloating, abdominal cramps and pain, and irritable bowel syndrome.

• Difficulty breathing including a choking sensation, hyperventilation (Breathing rapidly), asthma attacks and coughing fits.
• Negative thoughts including anticipating danger and catastrophe
• Low energy level feeling weak and tired
• Frequent feelings of inadequacy or impending failure, danger, panic, or doom
• Believing that something bad will happen
• Feeling nervous, restless, or tense
• Trouble concentrating or thinking
• Preoccupied or fixated on the present situation
• Having difficulty controlling worry – consumed with negative thoughts
• Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety – avoid places and people

During this time of chaos, panic and worry, we must take control of our bodies and be aware of what we need to survive this pandemic. We must come to a place where we can say, “I know that I will be ok.” Individuals who have been suffering with anxiety will find it very difficult to stay calm and understand that things will get better. Remember a time in your life when things were bad, and it became better and this will bring you through.

Coping Skills

This pandemic will not last forever. We must understand that some people will die, some will survive and worrying has no affect on the outcome. Your thoughts will heal or make you get sick. Find ways to de-stress or calm your soul. Some things that you can do to mange stress are the following:

·         Eat healthy

·         Get adequate sleep

·         Stress management and relaxation techniques such as visualization techniques, meditation, breathing exercises and yoga

·         Have schedule and routines

·         Turn off social media and news – limit your screen time

·         Call or Facetime friends and family

·         Stay connected

·         Read a book that will uplift you

·         Listen to or watch motivational movies

·         Do not stay in bed

·         Wake up early – dress in work clothes if you are working at home

·         Have meals with your family

·         Do not eat in your bedroom – your bedroom should be for sleeping

·         Go for a walk

·         Listen to music

We are very resilient, and we will survive this pandemic. Follow all the safety rules, wash your hands, respect social distancing, use face mask if you want, eat well, and sleep well.