Things seem bad enough now, but they say that things are going to get even worse. Stress levels are higher than usual. Anxiety is beginning to set in for many. Things are uncertain. And more than anything, the major question is, “When will it all end?”
We are experiencing what I would call a type of “world-wide complex trauma.” It’s complex because it deals with a virus that could bring about death. Financial security is at risk for many. There’s a lot of grief. The stress of staying home and isolation causes feelings of loneliness and worry, which all lead to feeling anxious. It’s called anxiety caused by a life-altering ongoing situation where no one can tell us exactly when it will end. Thus, it’s complex.
Taking care of your emotional health right now is a key to not only surviving these weeks to come, but is necessary to maintain your mental health. And managing your anxiety is at the top of the list when it comes to caring for your emotional/mental health.
So how do you go about managing your emotional/mental health during this time?
Here are just a few simple suggestions for managing your anxiety:
- Recognize the anxious feelings you have.
- Express your feelings of anxiety to a safe person.
- Do what you can do; and the things you can’t do anything about, let go.
- Daily find out the latest and most important things you need to know.
- Limit your exposure to news about the crisis (TV, social media, online, and print publications).
- Keep a schedule.
- Make a list of things you need to do, and do them.
- Connect with your friends and family through things like Facetime or other real-time apps, email, texts, and even an old-fashioned phone call.
- Send special greeting cards to loved ones and other important people in your life. (Right now, Hallmark is giving away cards on their website https://www.hallmark.com/.)
- Get creative. Try something new.
- Tackle a large task that you’ve been putting off for a long time.
- Remember to laugh. Laugh loud and laugh often!
If your anxiety begins to become overwhelming, then you need to contact your doctor. Sometimes the anxiety can become so intense that it causes problems with your brain chemistry. There’s no shame in getting some medical help for a medical situation, i.e., your brain not functioning properly due to chemical issues that have come about due to stress.
More than anything, know that the Lord has this! He is in control. You can trust that whatever happens, He’s going to take it and make it work for your good! (Romans 8:28). So, meditate on His word, spend time worshipping Him, and pray to Him. You can cast all of your cares on Him, for He cares for you!
We do have a more in-depth downloadable article entitled “Managing Coronavirus Anxiety.” Check it out by going to www.FreshHope.us/Coronavirus.
How are you managing your stress and anxiety right now? We’d love to hear from you!
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