Just when we thought it was okay to not wear a mask and go out again, the Delta variant arrived, sending us into a ‘Second Wave’. The recent COVID-19 spike has hit our mental health and many are struggling to cope with the stress and anxiety related to the situation. But there are things you can do to manage your anxiety and fears.
Learn to let go of the things you can’t control and focus on what you can.
Unfortunately, a lot of what is going on in this world is out of our control. Like how long the pandemic will go on for, how others choose to react and remain safe, and what is going on in our community.
But that is why it is important that we shift our focus to the things that we can control. For example, we can not control how severe the coronavirus outbreak is at your school, but you can take steps to reduce your chance of getting sick, such as:
- Maintaining a recommended 6ft of distance between yourself and others when out.
- Avoiding all non-essential shopping and travel
- Wearing a mask when out in public
- Avoiding large crowds and gatherings(10 or more people)
- Washing your hands frequently(for at least 20 seconds)
Avoid over checking the news
The need to feel informed about everything going on in this world is real. But a considerable amount of misinformation is going around, as well as sensationalist coverage that only leads to fear. Please make sure that you stick to getting information from a trusted source such as the CDC, the World Health Organization, and your local health public authorities.
Also, if you are on social media, refrain from sharing any posts until you have confirmed the information to be factual. This will help in preventing the spread of rumors and creating unnecessary panic.
Continue to do things you enjoy
Do not allow the pandemic to take away from fun. In fact, doing something fun can distract you from problems and help you cope with anxiety and depression.
Even though movie theaters, restaurants, and bowling alleys have opened back up, I want to share several activities that you can do that allow you to social distance, including:
- Fishing
- Going for a walk at your local park
- Watching a movie at the drive-in
- Kayaking
- Sledding
- Geocaching
Keep in contact with friends & family
If you are struggling with a mental health condition, it is even more important that you don’t isolate yourself throughout the pandemic. I can understand that some friends and family will prefer social distance but make it a priority to contact them a couple times a week.
And if you can meet in person!
Do what makes you feel the most comfortable
Not everyone has handled the pandemic in the same way AND that is okay! It can be hard feeling like the only one being overly cautious but you need to do what makes you comfortable.
If wearing gloves in the grocery store makes you feel safe, that is fine.
If wearing a mask while sitting down at a restaurant makes you feel safe, that is fine.
Just remember your decision is valid regardless of what other people might think or do.
Help other people
I know it can be easy to get caught up in our fear and concerns, but remember we are all in this together.
Here are some simple acts you can do to help people while still maintaining social distance:
- Drop off a care package to a friend in need
- If you can donate to a food bank
- Check in on your friends
- Be kind to other individuals
More resources that can help with learning how to cope with pandemic related anxiety
https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/index.html
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm
This post was written by Hana Hollenbeck, a psychology major at SUNY Cortland, and published by Convenient Counseling Services.
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