Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience at one time or another.
It’s what we feel when we’re worried, nervous, or scared about something. But for some people, anxiety can be much more than just an occasional feeling. It can be an ongoing and overwhelming experience that impacts their daily lives.
For many people, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a source of immense anxiety.
The virus itself is scary, and the potential consequences of contracting it are serious. But beyond that, the pandemic has also created a great deal of uncertainty and disruption in our lives.
We’re suddenly dealing with new challenges like working from home, homeschooling our children, and managing our finances during an economic downturn. Plus, we’re having to do all of this while maintaining social distancing and avoiding contact with others as much as possible.
It’s no wonder that so many people are feeling anxious right now. The good news is that there are things you can do to manage your anxiety and feel better.
What Causes Anxiety?
There are a number of things that can cause anxiety. In some cases, it may be due to an underlying health condition like heart disease, thyroid problems, or diabetes. Other times, it may result from medications you’re taking or substance abuse. But for many people, anxiety is caused by stress.
Stressful life events like divorce, job loss, or the death of a loved one can trigger anxiety. Even day-to-day stressors like work deadlines, traffic jams, or family arguments can contribute to it.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a considerable source of stress for many people. In addition to the virus itself, we’re also dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic as well as changes to our daily routines and social interactions.
All of this can lead to anxiety.
What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety?
Anxiety can cause a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms.
Physical symptoms include:
- Racing heart
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach upset
- Headache
- Fatigue
Emotional symptoms include feeling restless, irritable, on edge, or worried. Behavioral symptoms include avoidance of certain situations, difficulty concentrating, or difficulty sleeping.
People with anxiety may also experience panic attacks. A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or anxiety that usually lasts for a few minutes. During a panic attack, you may have physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
You may also feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous. Panic attacks can be very frightening and may make you feel like you’re having a heart attack or going crazy.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s essential to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if your symptoms are due to anxiety or another health problem.
Coping With COVID Anxiety
If you’re struggling with anxiety, there are some actionable steps you can take to feel better:
Get the Facts
Make sure you’re getting your information from reliable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, limit your exposure to media coverage of the pandemic. This can help put your mind on other things while avoiding exposure to possible sensationalism.
Connect With Others
Isolation can make anxiety worse, so reach out to your friends and family, even if it’s just virtually. Schedule a regular time to check in with each other or join an online support group. Talking to others who are going through the same thing can be very helpful.
Take Care of Yourself
It’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.
Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can help reduce anxiety. Try to find ways to relax, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
Focus On What You Can Control
One of the things that can make anxiety worse is feeling like you have no control over what’s happening, so it’s crucial to focus on the things you can control. You can’t control the pandemic, but you can control how you respond to it.
You can control your own behavior, such as washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask when you’re in public. You can also control your environment, such as making sure your home is clean and clutter-free.
Remember, this situation is temporary. The pandemic will eventually end, and life will go back to normal. In the meantime, focus on taking care of yourself and those around you.
Do what you can to stay healthy and safe, and try to find the silver linings in other aspects of your life.
Know That You’re Not Alone
Millions of people are struggling with anxiety during this pandemic, so if you’re feeling anxious, remember that you’re not alone.
People worldwide are dealing with the same thing, and it’s important to talk to someone about how you’re feeling — whether it’s a friend, family member, or therapist, talking to someone can help you feel better.
Get Help and Relief From Medical Professionals
If your anxiety is severe or interfering with your everyday life, you may need to see a mental health professional. They can provide you with tools and strategies to manage your anxiety and get you back on track to a happy, healthy, stress-free life.
Receive Ketamine Infusion Therapy From Southern Ketamine and Wellness
If you’re struggling with anxiety that doesn’t seem to be going away, you may be interested in ketamine infusion therapy. Ketamine is a medication that’s been used for decades to treat pain, but research has shown that it can also be effective for treating anxiety.
Ketamine infusion therapy involves slowly infusing ketamine into your bloodstream continuously over a short period of time. The ketamine therapy process helps reduce anxiety by blocking receptors in the brain that control fear and stress. It’s generally well-tolerated and has very few side effects.
If you’re interested in ketamine infusion therapy, Southern Ketamine and Wellness can help.
We offer ketamine treatments in a safe and comfortable setting. Our team of experienced medical professionals will work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and anxiety symptoms.
Contact us today to learn more about ketamine therapy and how it can help you cope with anxiety.
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