COVID-19 and anxiety: signs that it is time to reach out for help

calm body of water to symbolize feeling calm

How is your anxiety? Is it higher or lower or the same, compared to this time last year? As we experience this ‘third wave’, and the less than stellar rollout of vaccinations, some degree of (increased) anxiety is to be expected. In the context of this pandemic, how can you tell if your anxiety is more than can be expected? Learn more about signs that your anxiety is ‘too much’ and it is time to reach out for more support and help.

One of the few ‘normal’ things right now is anxiety

The experts reassure us that fear, worry and anxiety are normal, expected reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even people who don’t usually struggle with anxiety are experiencing more worry and anxiety now. Lots of people have talked to me about a surge in their anxiety as the numbers increase across many provinces in Canada.

The realistic fears serve a purpose as they propel us to take actions to protect ourselves and others. You know the routine – physical distancing, hand hygiene, staying home when you feel sick, and generally observing public health guidelines.

When is it too much anxiety?

While anxiety is a normal and expected reaction to the pandemic, too much anxiety can take a toll on our health and well-being. The question is: how do we know if our anxiety is ‘over the top’ and we could use some help?

The Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division offers some signs that it may be time to seek extra help and support:

You can’t think about anything other than coronavirus or the COVID-19 illness
Your anxiety interferes in your daily life—for example, you have a hard time going to work or being in public spaces even when the risk is very low
You isolate yourself from others when it isn’t necessary
You feel hopeless or angry about the situation
You have a hard time eating or sleeping well
You experience physical symptoms like frequent headaches or an upset stomach

How to manage anxiety?

There are a number of options to manage your anxiety, from reaching out for professional help to actions you can take yourself:

Download MindShift app to learn how to relax and manage anxious thoughts. If you would prefer to attend a group, there is a cognitive therapy based group treatment program called MindShift CBT Groups.
Take the free online version of Bounce Back, which is a self-directed course developed by the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Consult the federal government’s Wellness Together Canada portal. Have your mental health assessed and get resources, including free counselling, for mental wellness and substance use issues.
Calm your mind and body. Worry and anxiety ignites our nervous system. Choose a practice which is a good fit for you such as: guided meditation, online yoga, deep breathing exercises, body scans, guided imagery or guided relaxation exercises to relieve anxiety. There are also the basics of eating well, getting enough sleep and physical exercise.
Practice mindfulness. Worrying is, by definition, about the future. One of the most helpful ways to learn to live in the present is to practice mindfulness. Learn to notice your worry thoughts and not engage them. There is an excellent and free 8-week online mindfulness-based stress reduction course with a certified MBSR instructor available: https://palousemindfulness.com/.
Keep your virtual connections going. In fact, connect with your mom and/or dad, friends and other family members more than you usually would. Call, text, email, Skype, Facetime, or connect on Facebook.
Treat yourself and others with kindness and compassion. Kindness and compassion are contagions-ones we can embrace-and are also good antidotes to anxiety.