Managing-Anxiety-About-Coronavirus

Managing Anxiety About Coronavirus

Everywhere you turn today someone is talking about one thing and one thing only— COVID-19. This “novel” coronavirus is an especially hot topic in Massachusetts as numbers of cases continue to rise.

All of this conversation around such an anxiety-inducing topic can really trigger feelings of anxiousness, confusion, or even alarm. If you have concerns about your health and coronavirus, we’ve gathered some tips on managing your stress along with helpful data from the World Health Organization.

Trust the Right Sources

News programs rely on people having heightened emotions when watching. When people are in a state of fear or anxiety, they are more likely to watch a news program. High ratings translates into better revenue via advertisements for the network.

Because of this, many news programs sensationalize stories and present some fact but without the proper context. This misinformation is then shared across the internet, spreading fear and further distorting fact.

When looking for information on something such as COVID-19, your best bet is to turn to reliable organizations such as CFPsych or the following:

You can also get reliable tips from these entities for avoiding coronavirus and slowing the spread of the disease.

Being Careful Means Gaining Control 

When people experience anxiety, understanding what they can and cannot control can help. No one can eliminate the coronavirus entirely, but all of us can take some simple steps to decrease the chance of exposure.

The best step you can take to limit your risk of exposure is washing your hands thoroughly and regularly. Make sure to teach small children how to wash their hands properly, as well.

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Washing your hands well and on a regular basis not only protects you, but also slows the sharing of the virus potentially.  Since it is still unclear whether or not asymptomatic people can spread COVD-19, it is crucial to take cautionary steps like this.

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Panic Doesn’t Help

While making preparations for a widespread outbreak is advisable, anyone who experiences symptoms of anxiety should be careful that prepping does not exacerbate their stress and anxiety. There is no need to rush to the store and buy out the shelves; however, there are some basic preparatory steps you can take:

  • Have a 14-day supply of:
    • Food
    • Water
    • Baby food and supplies
    • Pet food
    • Prescription meds
    • Cleaners and soap
    • Cold and flu OTC meds
  • Have an emergency plan, including:
    • The location of the nearest hospital
    • Location in your home for quarantining a sick family member
    • Plan for kids at home if school pauses temporarily
  • Have a work plan in place, including:
    • Remote work plan
    • Financial plan, if work halts temporarily

Preparing does not mean that the worst is going to happen. Those with anxiety may confuse preparation with a guaranteed worst case scenario. If you are experiencing symptoms of stress or anxiety…

Ask for Help

We are here to help. The team at CFPsych can help you address your symptoms of anxiety around the coronavirus. Contact us today and set up a time to speak with a counselor.

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