(Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-part article on dealing with the mental and emotional effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.)
We’re reading about it everywhere. It’s changed the way we live.
How do we keep the understandable anxiety from the COVID-19 pandemic in check?
Nicholas Kicior, MSEd., NCC, LPC, a doctoral level trainee psychological technician and licensed outpatient therapist at Beacon Light Behavioral Health, shared some advice.
“As is true for any time of trauma, it is important to orient ourselves toward things that are within our control,” said Kicior. “Despite the changing information from our legislators, we are able to control those with whom we come in contact and how we care for ourselves.”
Taking steps to improve one’s mental health during this time does not mean individuals shouldn’t take their physical health and that of the community seriously.
Kicior recommends using reliable sources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to guide one’s behavior, noting that knowing on which sources to depend is “critical” to maintaining control over anxiety.
“Making sure that we keep our environments clean, respect social distancing, and maintain an organized environment all contribute to our mental health,” he said.
Also, Kicior said, “practicing evidence-based self-care strategies, such as mindfulness, will be critical to maintaining control over our emotions.”
He shared exercises people can do to help to change their mindset.
“Being cognizant of the environment around you, practicing deep breathing exercises, and identifying body tension will help you to reverse stress effects on your bodies and immune system,” Kicior explained. “Challenging irrational thinking is also helpful; recognizing that spending energy over worry about future events rather than dealing with the present will help to bring you back into the moment and reduce any anticipatory anxiety that you may be feeling.”
Remember that this is temporary.
“Realize that this time will pass,” said Kicior, sharing words to help individuals keep a healthy perspective on the scenario.
“While this is an unprecedented time, the world has been through many stressful situations and has been resilient despite not having access to the technology that currently connects us,” he said. “Recognizing that times of trauma are time-limited helps to focus on life after the negative event. Furthermore, creating and being involved in a sense of community utilizing the mediums we have is also imperative to fostering a sense of unity.”
