Anxiety about COVID-19
By Kristi Sveum MSW, LCS
You Are Experiencing Anxiety Because It Seems Like Things Are Spinning Out Of Control And Our World Is Falling Apart Around Us. We First Heard Of The Coronavirus Or COVID-19 A Few Months Ago. Now, It Is All We Hear About. It Seems Like Every Few Minutes Something Is Changing.
National Emergencies are Scary and Hard to Process
The president declared a national emergency. Governors are declaring states of emergency. Schools are canceling. Jobs are telling people to work from home. Universities around the country are holding classes online for the rest of the semester. College students studying abroad are being told to come home. Spring break trips were canceled.
As a college basketball fan, it really hit me when the major NCAA conferences suspended their tournaments. The teams were in cities preparing for their conference tournaments and were told to go home. Then, hours later then the NCAA followed by canceling their tournament. Keep in mind, this has never happened since the NCAA tournament began in 1939. Not even during WW2 or the Vietnam War. So, thousands of athletes were robbed of postseason play. Some teams were expected to go deep into the tournament and now their season has abruptly come to an end. In some conferences, spring sports have been canceled completely. Ultimately, my heart just broke for these athletes.
I’m a Therapist and The COVID-19 Crisis is Even Causing Me Anxiety!
As I check my inbox, it seems like all of the stores/companies I subscribe to have announced what they are doing to keep customers safe in the wake of COVID-19. My entire Facebook timeline is full of people posting articles about COVID-19. So, I just can’t get away from hearing about it.
I’m finding myself having a really hard time concentrating. And, I just feel this sense of dread around me. For me, it kind of reminds me of the days and weeks following the attacks on 9/11. I remember walking to classes on my college campus feeling overwhelmed with uncertainty, dread, and worry. We just had no idea what was going to happen next. Plans were put on hold. Lives were completely changed. It seemed like the world just stopped. Although the circumstances are very different, the atmosphere feels eerily similar.
You too may feel a sense of dread and anxiety. Maybe, you do not see yourself as an anxious person, yet all of the unknowns have you on edge. Or maybe you already struggle with anxiety, so this has you struggling to function.
Here are some tips to help with anxiety amid COVID-19:
Set limits around news and social media to prevent more anxiety
It’s understandable that you want to be informed. Especially, if friends or family are affected. However, constantly consuming information will likely leave you anxious and depressed.
Seek accurate information
Finding credible sources you can trust is important. This prevents the fear and panic that can be caused by misinformation. The CDC is a great resource for up to date information.
Take care of your body
Our physical health and mental health are linked. It is important to eat regular meals, exercise, and get enough sleep. Plus, these things will help keep your immune system strong.
Acknowledge your feelings and anxiety
It is normal to feel anxious, stressed, sad or other emotions when there are so many unknowns. However, it is unhealthy to hold it in and dwell on what is making you feel anxious. Instead, allow yourself time to notice and express what you’re feeling. This could be by writing them down in a journal, talking to others, or doing something creative.
Connect with others using technology
Spending time with supportive family and friends, even through online means, can bring a sense of comfort and stability. Talking through our fears and concerns with others can ease some of the stress and help us to feel less alone.
Follow the directives of your state and local authorities and medical professionals
As tempting as it may be to listen to your friends on social media, please follow the directions that the CDC and governmental officials are sharing to keep you and your family safe and healthy.
Maintain your day-to-day normal activities and routine where possible
This includes continuing to consume your meals and go to bed at the same time even if work and school routines do change.
Begin online therapy to help ease your anxiety
If you find that your anxiety is interfering with your work, school or interpersonal relationships, you should consider online therapy. Many mental health professionals, including the therapists at Aspire, are now offering online mental health services. But, you will want to check with your insurance provider to make sure online services are covered.
Your Children May Be Experiencing Anxiety As Well
Children are not immune to anxiety. They pick up on the emotions and behaviors of adults. They may hear bits and pieces from kids at school that may or may not contain the truth.
Here are some ways you can ease your child’s anxiety during the COVID-19 crisis:
Share accurate information
Find out what they already know then share with them the facts. Answer any questions they have. Share with them what your family is doing to keep them safe. Use age-appropriate language, watch their reactions, and be sensitive to their level of anxiety.
Validate their anxiety
Tell them that fear is normal. Encourage them to express their anxiety and fear through drawing, writing or creating something.
Limit your child’s exposure to media coverage to prevent more anxiety
Children may misinterpret what they hear. This can cause them to be frightened about something they do not understand.
Keep their routines in place
Do your best to keep your child on the same eating and sleeping routines even if they are not attending school or child care.
Maintain some structure to their day
Many schools have closed. And, this changes their daily routines. So, parents will need to create new routines. Rather than letting them lay around all day, create a daily schedule. There are many educational activities online.
Model good self-care
Take care of yourself as described above. Your child will follow your lead.
Consider online therapy for your child
An online therapist can help your child sort through his/her anxiety in the midst of uncertainty regarding the COVID-19 crisis. Your child does not need to have had anxiety symptoms before to benefit from online mental health support. Aspire Counseling has therapists who will see children and teens via telehealth. We want your child to feel safe during this challenging and different time. Our therapists are trained to help children process their fears and learn new strategies during online therapy.
Online Therapy Can Help Your Whole Family Find Relief From Anxiety
Anytime you feel your anxiety is impacting your ability to fully engage in your daily life, online therapy might be able to help. At Aspire Counseling, we have several therapists who work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety online. We understand how scary this uncertain time is for you and your loved ones. We want to support you and help you learn ways to cope with your fear and anxiety. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Begin Online Therapy in Missouri to Help Manage Anxiety:
If you are feeling anxious or worried about the current state of affairs during the Coronavirus pandemic, online therapy can help you find relief. The therapy team at Aspire Counseling will give you concrete tools to use to manage stress and worry during online therapy sessions that can be held in the comfort of your own home. To get started with online therapy in Missouri, please follow these simple steps:
Contact our mental health clinic and speak to our care coordinator to make an appointment for a free 15-minute consultation to see if online therapy is a good fit for you or your child,
Meet with an online therapist for your free consultation. This can be done over the phone or using a video platform to keep you healthy!
Start online therapy and find relief from stress and worry!
Although Online Therapy Is Appropriate For Mental Health Concerns, It Is Not Appropriate For Clients Experiencing A Severe Crisis. If You Are Currently Having Suicidal Thoughts, Please Seek Help Immediately By Calling The National Suicide Lifeline At 1-800-273-8255 Or The Local Hotline At 1-800-395-2132. If You Are Having An Acute Mental Health Crisis, Please Go To Your Local ER. In The Mid Missouri Area, We Recommend Going To The University Of Missouri ER.
About the Author
About the Author:
Kristi Sveum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who offers mental health counseling services at Aspire Counseling. Kristi specializes in helping children, teens & young adults. She is passionate about helping young people find a sense of safety, no matter what has happened to them in the past. She takes a cognitive behavioral approach to counseling helping people begin to look at their past, their anxious thoughts or insecurities in a new way.
Other Services Offered by Aspire Counseling
the therapists at our Mid-Missouri mental clinic, believe healing begins when you can look past your hurts, current obstacles, and future worries directly in the eye and can confidently say, “I’ve got this.”
Our counseling team offers a variety of therapeutic services to clients of all ages. Our counseling services include counseling for caregivers, counseling for chronic illness, postpartum counseling, counseling for teens, counseling for college students, counseling for adults, trauma and PTSD therapy, EMDR therapy, counseling for sexual assault and rape, anxiety therapy, counseling for depression, LGTBQ affirming counseling services, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Also, our therapists write our blog on a regular basis. To learn more about our mental health services both in-person and online, please contact our counseling office in Columbia, MO.
