Covid-19 and Anxiety

Covid-19 and Anxiety

If you have visited my blog before, you know I struggle with anxiety!  And during this time of stress, confusion and uncertainty my anxiety has sky rocketed.  No joke, Covid-19 and anxiety go hand in hand.  And I am ready to break free from the “shelter in place” order in Colorado.  I am sure many of you can relate.

How My Anxiety Has Escalated

Almost 3 years ago I made a conscious decision to pull myself out of a “hole” and start focusing on all the good.   I read dozens of books on creating a positive mindset.  I still read them, they have had a huge impact on my life.  Journaling, it was a life saver and I also changed my mindset.  It took a lot of time and it wasn’t easy.  But I  did it, and I was doing well.  That is until Covid-19 came along.

Since the first notification of our “shelter in place” order in March, I have had daily struggles in keeping myself positive and looking at the “bright side”.  Do you have any idea how fucking hard that is? Excuse the language, but seriously, it has been so overwhelming! I had been doing so well too.

The isolation from friends, the worry about my family.  Especially my daughter who is a nurse and my niece who is a Physician’s Assistant.  Luckily, we have not been impacted financially like so many others.  I probably would have gone over the edge by now had that also been in play.  And at the writing of this post, I am overwhelmed with gratitude to say we have not had a family member fall ill to Covid-19.  For that I am so relieved and grateful!  See how I can find something to be grateful for?  There is always something positive you can focus on.

But the negativity on social media is OUT OF CONTROL. I see people telling others what they should be doing, how to act and more.  I even read a post about a woman who called the police on her neighbor!  Are you kidding me? MIND YOUR OWN DAMN BUSINESS.  With domestic violence (due to shelter in place orders) on the rise and suicides hotlines being bombarded  with calls, the last thing the police need is a call on how your neighbor is letting her kids play at the park.  It is absolutely insane how people think they know what is best for you and your family. I know several people who can’t go on social media right now because it is a trigger for them.  And I have to admit, it is a trigger for me too.  The news is another trigger for my Covid-19 and anxiety issue.

Dealing with the Triggers

First and foremost, avoid all triggers if and when possible.  I have severely limited my time on social media.  I have also “hidden” or unfriended people who are perpetually negative.  If that isn’t an option for you, then either limit your time on social media or stay off it all together.

Main Stream Media

And if you can avoid watching the news,  do it.  I started to cry two nights ago watching main stream media.  Say what?  Really, I did.  The reason?  Because the negativity and over the top reporting on Covid-19 was unbelievable.  It took 3 weeks, but I could no longer take it.

Turn the channel, turn off the television, whatever it takes.  And if you really want to keep up with the pandemic, look for uplifting articles on the internet about those people that have survived, what is working or how to help boost your immune system so there is a smaller chance of you being affected by it.  Don’t forget, stress also compromises the immune system.  So we really need to be pro-active in keeping our immune system as strong as possible!

Self Care Suggestions

I have a difficult time remembering to do self care when life is normal.  When I feel like I am in an alternate universe, it is even harder!  But here are some of the things I have been doing to keep myself from literally losing my mind.  Here are some suggestions:

• Take a bath!  New homes are being built without a master suite now, I say no way!  I love a great bubble bath, and if your tub has jets like mine does, all the better!
• Make a “comfort food” meal.  One of my favorite comfort foods is a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup! It reminds me of the times when my mom and I would go to Friendly’s Restaurant when I was little.  It always brings the best memories.
• Send someone a card or note, every single day.  I have been mailing cards of encouragement just about everyday to those I know who struggle with anxiety like I do.   It makes me feel better and hopefully them too!
• Read a book!  A book that you can escape into!
• Clean out a closet, room or garage!  Sometimes focusing on a task will help alleviate your stress.
• Do a DIY project.  Complete or start a project that you have been wanting to conquer!
• Garden!  I have a Tower Garden, it is the ultimate in urban gardening!  And when this pandemic hit, I immediately started working on prepping my gardens and Tower Garden to keep my mind and hands busy!
• Watch a funny movie.  I love all three of the Pitch Perfect movies!  They are my life savers!
• Finally and most important (in my opinion) exercise.  Any kind of exercise is great.  Outside even better, the vitamin D that you soak up from the sun will boost your mood and happy endorphins are released when you exercise.

If you want more suggestions feel free to check out my post 2 Weeks of Self Care or look into the urban gardening wonder called the Tower Garden!

Need Additional Help?

If you need additional help, please seek it!  Help is a phone call away if you are feeling truly overwhelmed.  It is nothing to be ashamed of and sometimes we all need some extra help when we feel as though things are no longer in our control.  The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is there 24 hours a day.  Just make the call if you need to.  Covid-19 and anxiety can be prevented.

Conclusion

Sometimes the the fear of something is worse than the problem or situation itself.  Having faith over fear is so important.  Not only for your health for also for your mindset.  Continue to build your mindset, your immune system and your outlook.  So if or when a Covid-19 and anxiety situation occurs again, you can better handle it. Our new normal may be different, but together we can do anything.  Stay safe and healthy and know that I am here routing for you!

Be kind, have empathy and live in a positive mindset where your faith is greater than your fear!  We got this!

Recommendations

I have done many book reviews so please feel free to check them out and see if any would be of interest!  CLICK HERE!

Looking for more information on urban gardening?  I personally love gardening and it has helped me relieve stress and anxiety.  On more than one occasion!  CLICK HERE for more information!

Do you need immune strengthening?  My family and I have been using the same product to boost our immune system for more than 15 years.  And I cannot say enough about how it has assisted in our health!  CLICK HERE to find out more!

Want more self care ideas?  I have several posts on self care and anxiety.  Check them out HERE.

Not sure if you have anxiety?  Check out the Mayo Clinics definition of anxiety.  For a long time I was in denial of what the problem was, but once it was diagnosed, my life certainly changed for the better.

Need to speak to someone about your anxiety?  Here is a free resource to try.  Etherapypro.com

Want to text for help?  Here is another great resource: Crisis Text Line Text HOME to 741741 and they will connect you with a crisis counselor.

**Please note that I am not a licensed therapist, this is just my journey and how I handle stress.  Hopefully, some of what I talk about will resonate with you and please know that you are not alone.  The struggle is real for so many of us.  Again, Covid-19 and anxiety seem to go together, there is nothing to be ashamed of in getting help.

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~Kelly

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