These can be difficult times. It is normal to be concerned and worried about coronavirus. I am reposting a great article written by Dr. Aaron Weiner, that has some useful tips on how to manage anxiety.
Keep washing your hands, not touching your face and being kind to everyone. The opposite of fear is love. If you need additional support, please contact me to schedule an appointment. I offer e- counseling and walk and talk therapy.
-Sandra
March 10, 2020 | by Aaron Weiner, Ph.D.
Everyone is talking about coronavirus (COVID-19) right now, and for good reason. It stands to be a global pandemic, and while 80% of cases are mild and individuals under 50 have a low mortality rate (0.2%), the mortality rate begins to rise for individuals over 50, and is very significant for those over 80. This is clearly a very disturbing prospect, particularly given that a vaccine for the virus will potentially not be available until early 2021.
Concerns about coronavirus are absolutely warranted, and it’s essential that we pay attention and follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recommendations to slow the progression of COVID-19. However, it’s also critical that we are measured in our concern, and make intentional effort to not to let our anxiety get the better of us.
Excessive anxiety can have a negative impact on all areas of our life: our relationships, our parenting, the quality of our life, and even our immune system. Given the current circumstances, having good coping mechanisms in place is essential to our health and well-being.
Easier said than done, however, particularly when anxiety itself can be psychologically contagious, and society-at-large is at such a heightened level of concern. In order to help keep your emotional center stable, and potentially help anchor others who are struggling with their own anxiety, please consider the following suggestions:
During this time of heightened stress, it’s essential that we care for ourselves and manage our anxiety. Although we may not be able to choose exactly how coronavirus impacts our community, we can choose how we respond to it emotionally. Please take steps to care for your emotional health, and let’s strive to keep our emotional center during this challenging time.