What are some things that can contribute to a sense of anxiety during isolation or stay-at-home orders?
For those individuals who have an anxious temperament or a pre-existing anxiety disorder, this period will cause even more anxiety and fear than it will for individuals who do not. Isolation creates the perfect breeding ground for anxiety and fear. Individuals who have jobs that are considered essential and are unable to stay at home or isolate are at a particular risk of developing stress and anxiety.
How can people work to reduce their own anxiety?
- Limit your time or take breaks from covid-19 new stories and social media.
- Take care of your physical self by keeping to a daily schedule, get physical activity daily, start a project that keeps you active, limit snacking of non-nutrious foods
- Take care of your emotional self by staying connected to others, get outside and go for a drive or a walk, maintain your sleep schedule, and contact your local mental health resources if you begin feeling overwhelmed with uncomfortable feels, worries or fears.
Recognize that everyone processes their worries, feelings and fears differently. For parents, reassure your children that they are safe and share only the information that you feel your child can understand and handle emotionally. Reach out to family members and loved ones through virtual communication. Take care of your own emotional health by taking time out for yourself every day.
How can people find resources that are safe to access if they aren't able to manage anxiety on their own?
- National Alliance for Mental Illness at https://www.nami.org/
- Mental Health America at https://www.mhanational.org/
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
- Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at https://www.samhsa.gov/
- Most outpatient mental health services offer therapy either over the phone or on a virtual platform. Please contact your local providers if you are not able to manage anxiety on your own. Anxiety responds very well to treatment and can get better.
“If you find yourself becoming anxious, reach out to a friend or family member. You can still be connected to others by using a telephone, smartphone or use a video calling service,” Kersey says. “Also, if you are still feeling anxious, find something else to do and limit the amount of news you watch. If the weather is nice and if you can, go outside as much as possible in your yard or take a walk or drive around the neighborhood. Be sure to observe social distancing guidelines.”
Susan Kersey, DNP, PMHCNS, PMHNP-BC is a clinical assistant professor of nursing and director of Purdue University School of Nursing’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program. She has expertise in the field of psychiatry and the treatment of mental health conditions. Kersey has worked in a variety of mental health settings during her career.
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