People are stressing over the fact that we are currently living in a pandemic world. No one can is able to predict if and when this will end. Everyone is afraid to catch the virus. Some lost a loved one or two and fear that they or another loved one will also succumb to the virus. The financial stress and other pandemic-related anxiety triggers only add to one’s mental suffering.
If you are guilty of having Covid-19 related anxiety, know that you are not alone. There are many strategies you can try so you can start managing your anxiety. Some are as follows.
Social Media Distancing
You are doing your part to social distance, even if it meant sacrificing your social life. But one thing most people fail to do is to also do media distancing. This is evident in the surge of active social media users ever since the pandemic made headlines.
According to reports, in 2019, there were about 3.48 billion social media users. This year, the number reached 3.80 billion wherein 213 million are new social media users. Since it is very easy to post, share and believe news related to the current situation of the pandemic worldwide on social media, it is best to do social media distancing if this is exacerbating your anxiety.
Know that facts can be easily twisted especially on the internet. You want to stay vigilant and only believe Covid-19 news on credible sources. Don’t believe everything you see on the internet and educate yourself without overindulging in social media news.
Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil
These days, CBD oil is mostly legal in some countries. Not that cannabis oil is different from cannabidiol oil. Both are derived from the same plant which is the Cannabis sativa species. But these two are consumed for different purposes and CBD oil is legally sold in cannabidiol stores in many countries and states.
For one, cannabis oil is still considered as narcotics and has a higher amount of Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. This is derived from medicinal or recreational cannabis which is often used to get high and treat pain and insomnia. CBD oil, on the other hand, cannot get you high because of its low THC levels.
According to research, CBD oil is effective in reducing pain, and in improving patients’ ability to engage in daily functions. Numerous studies also claim that CBD is effective in reducing anxiety. If CBD oil is something you are open to try out, it is best to consult your doctor first.
Avoid Anxiety’s Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC released guidelines on how to better protect ourselves from the virus. But for those with anxiety issues, they are practicing their own anxiety guidelines in an attempt to pacify themselves. In reality, this can only worsen your anxiety over time.
If you find yourself doing these things, then you are already guilty of going beyond the guidelines set by the CDC.
- Scrubbing hands until they are dry, red, and sore
- Spraying and cleaning everything with bleach and other strong chemical cleaners
- Washing food items with bleach
You might think that it is best to go over and beyond what the CDC has advised us to protect ourselves from the virus. But in reality, this can only do more harm than good. Avoid the temptation to commit to anxiety guidelines and follow the guidelines set by the professionals instead.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Apps
Numerous apps claim to be a great way to ease your anxiety. If you plan on downloading some, make sure to do your research first. Not all mental health apps are created equal while some are not approved by the professionals. To be on the safe side, use apps with great reviews but don’t simply rely on the apps especially if you already have suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
One of the most famous types of mental health apps these days are those that are offering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. These are a convenient way to fight our anxiety symptoms. Such a self-help tool is useful if you are not comfortable or cannot afford face-to-face treatment from a pro.
Don’t Underestimate Professional Help
Note that such apps can only guide you and will never replace a professional’s expert advice. When your anxiety is now causing you a lack of sleep, restlessness, mood swings, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and excessive worrying, it is time to visit a professional. They can help you pinpoint the cause of your anxiety, prescribe medications as needed, and help you develop the best plan to address your extreme anxiety.
There is no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to managing Covid-19 related anxiety. Each of us has our own triggers, types of anxiety, and preferred coping mechanism. The list only shows some effective anxiety-reducing tips you can try so you can finally start letting go of your pandemic-related anxiety.
