COVID-19 Healthy vrs Unhealthy Anxiety

Our bodies are designed for anxiety. Our anxiety is the “fight and flight” response that keeps us safe in the face of danger, it’s hardwired into us. So in this time of the COVID-19 crisis, how can you tell whether your anxiety is normal and healthy or excessive?

We will all experience anxiety at some times in our life.  We have all felt worried about something or experienced the rush of adrenalin that comes from a “near miss”. A global pandemic such as the one we are experiencing with COVID-19 will certainly cause anxiety in most of us.

What makes COVID-19 so worrisome?

Anxiety is generally a product of the likelihood of something bad happening and the cost of it happening. Dangers that are highly likely to happen and also carry a big consequence or cost will get us more anxious.  We have been told that COVID-19 is HIGHLY contagious and therefore many people estimate the likelihood of contracting it to be high.  We have also been told that it can be deadly to vulnerable people and therefore many of us estimate the cost of getting the virus is high.

Normal anxiety?

Although it is normal to feel anxious in the face of COVID-19 there have certainly been reports of excessive anxiety. Excessive anxiety occurs when we worry about things in the future, or engage in current behaviours that aren’t based on any factual information. For example, many people found themselves worrying about running out of essential supplies such as toilet paper, even though there was no evidence (and in fact information to the contrary) that Australia had a shortage. Similarly, many people who owned Chinese restaurants reported that their business declined, even though there was no reason to think ALL Chinese people carried COVID-19.

How to best manage COVID-19 anxiety

Here are our top tips to helping yourself best manage any anxiety you feel about COVID-19

1.  Limit media contact
   Although it is good to stay informed, we recommend finding a news source that you consider credible and checking it once daily only. Try to resist the urge to check more frequently and to fill all your social time with talk about the latest news.

2. Focus on the present and take each day as it comes
   Try to focus on the here and now- not what might happen in a week, a month, a year. If we live in the moment, we are more able to solve our current problems effectively.

3. Look after your body
   Even if your usual routine is disrupted, make it a priority to problem solve how you can continue to get exercise, eat nutritious food and get enough sleep. Our bodies thrive on rhythm so keep as close to a normal schedule as possible in your day.

4. Stay socially connected in social isolation
   Just because we are isolated doesn’t mean we can’t connect online or via the phone. Try to pick people who will be responsive and supportive. Talk about a variety of things because focusing on other aspects of life helps remind us of who we are and that there is life outside of this crisis.

5. Manage your headspace
   Watch out for “empty time” where your mind wanders to worries and thoughts of the crisis. Notice where your head is at and have a variety of activities ready to fill your time and take your mind off it.

6. Help and be helped 
   We each have an opportunity to choose how we remember this time and the type of person we want to be remembered as being in a crisis. Make sure your behavior is something you can be proud of in years to come. It’s also Ok to ask for help or advice - call us if you need us!