Since
the COVID-19 crisis arose, life has become more stressful for almost everyone.
It’s normal to feel worried. But for people with conditions such as diabetes
and heart disease — who face a greater risk from the virus — anxiety might be
overwhelming.
Now’s
a good time to take a breath, examine some of your habits and see if you can
make positive changes.
For example, are you staying up too
late or overindulging in your favorite comfort foods? Is it harder to
concentrate or make decisions? If so, you’re not alone. Here are some more
questions to help you gauge your level of anxiety:
·
Are you overwhelmed with fear about
your own health or that of your loved ones?
·
Do you feel more anger, hostility or
irritability than usual?
·
Are you deeply upset about how life
has changed since the coronavirus appeared?
·
Have you been neglecting routine
hygiene and self-care?
·
Are you having headaches, muscle
tension, digestive issues or other physical symptoms?
·
Have chronic health problems or
mental health conditions worsened?
·
Are you using alcohol, tobacco or
other substances more frequently?
If
stress interferes with your daily activities for several days in a row, call
your health care provider.
Anxiety
can make the best-laid plans fall apart. But it’s vital for people with
conditions like heart disease and diabetes to stick to their treatment plans
and to consult their health care providers if they are struggling.
Meanwhile,
there are a number of things you can do to reduce your anxiety about COVID-19.
Focus on self-care, including eating well, exercising regularly,
getting enough sleep and avoiding alcohol and other substances.
Make a point of limiting how much
pandemic-related news and social media content you take in every day. Know when
enough is enough! You’re in control. Stop scrolling and pick up a book instead.
Here are some more tips:
·
Try meditating, stretching,
deep breathing, yoga, mindfulness or other stress-reduction techniques.
·
Indulge in a calming ritual like a
hot bath, a nature walk, journaling or quiet time with pets.
·
Set aside time for hobbies, music,
movies or other enjoyable pastimes.
·
Agree on a daily schedule for
everyone in your household to help reduce day-to-day friction.
·
Find people and things that make you
laugh.
·
Establish your own special space
where you can quietly relax.
·
Tackle projects on your long-term
to-do list, such as cleaning a closet or reorganizing your office.
·
Connect with your usual support
network as well as other loved ones, share how you feel and support them as
they cope with the pandemic.
·
Find an online support group.
If
you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or sadness, contact your primary care
provider, your health insurer or your employer’s Employee Assistance Program,
if available, to find a mental health provider. (Remember, many appointments
are being conducted by phone or video during the pandemic, so you can avoid
in-person contact.)
In an emergency, call:
·
The federal government’s
24-hour Disaster Distress Helpline at
800-985-5990 (or text TalkWithUs to 66746).
·
The 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at
800-273-8255.
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