Mental Health Moments: Handling Anxiety During the Coronavirus Pandemic

⌛ By Kaylin R. Staten ⌛

In times like these, people show their true colors. I’ve seen so much perplexing behavior, from people purchasing enough items to barely fit into two vehicles to people buying baby wipes in lieu of toilet paper. (I mean, parents and caregivers need to have these items for their children!) Some people are unable to meet basic needs because they are in an industry where remote working isn’t possible. So many people are scared of what could happen within the next day, hour, or second. All of us are on edge and most are taking precautions by self-quarantining and social distancing.

As a resident of the only state who has yet to see a COVID-19 case, I am biding my time before someone tests positive. 

All of this is enough to induce panic, especially for those of us who are more inclined to anxious and depressive behaviors anyway.

Through the ugly dog-eat-dog behaviors, there have been glimmers of hope: schools and other entities are providing meals for children during school closings, people are giving away extra essentials to vulnerable populations in their neighborhoods, and so many residents in my area are supporting small businesses. Case in point in the Huntington, WV Area Independents Facebook group here. (Support your small businesses!)

How can you reduce anxiety, depression, and overall stress when you’re worried about the effects of the coronavirus? Here’s what I have been doing, and I hope this will help you, too:

Keep up with the latest information but know when to unplug.

As a complete information junkie to my core, it is SO tempting to open each news-related notification as it pops up on my phone. I especially want to watch what’s happening in my state and on the federal level, but there are times that I suffer from information overload. If I read too much about the coronavirus, I will get overwhelmed. Last week, during the toilet paper debacle, I became anxious because it seemed like the plot of a “Fallout” video game. I worried we wouldn’t have enough of what we needed. Also, pay attention to reputable sources. All of us can get sucked into the black hole of social media, but in order to reduce anxiety and limitless what-if scenarios, pay attention to the experts. In last week’s blog post, I listed some trustworthy sources at the end of the blog post. 

Keep the lines of communication open. 

Be sure to remain communicative with loved ones via phone calls, FaceTime, and other methods. Talk about your worries and what is going on in your life. Unfortunately, I am part of a mostly untested but vulnerable population, being currently pregnant. So, I self-quarantined last week to protect myself and my unborn child. I also have family members with chronic health issues, so I want to protect them as well. In addition to checking on your loved ones to see if they need anything, be sure to also ask for help when you need it. If you run out of soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, or another essential, see if someone close to you has that item. With regards to work, keep working as usual if you are remotely working. While you can take this time to relax, you also have to maintain a work schedule. If you’re a small business owner and can remotely work, keep in constant contact with your clients to see if they need anything. Many of my clients have needed crisis communications messaging, so I have been busy helping them. Luckily, I am able to conduct meetings via phone calls and video chats.

Don’t forget self-care.

When we are in the throes of anxiety and depression, it can be challenging to keep up with a self-care routine. This will look differently to everyone. I am a major geek and signed up for a couple of free online classes on edX, one for pleasure and one that will move the needle on my business. I also have been playing video games, reading, watching YouTube videos, napping (again, pregnant), and working on passion projects. Do what alleviates stress and anxiety the most for you. If you need to get out of the house, then take a walk or go for a drive. Continue to live your life, but just be cautious. If you have to go to the grocery store or another public place, maintain social distancing and practice general hygiene habits.

Also, Paris museums have made 100,000+ images of artwork available online, so… :) 

And don’t forget to be kind.

Source: Blessing Manifesting

Please note: These blog posts are not clinical, although we will provide symptoms and other information. These posts are based on my experiences with anxiety and mental health in general. If you or someone you know needs help, visit a website like Mental Health America to learn more.

Mental Health Moments blog posts are every other Tuesday of the month. Our CEO and contributors highlight what it's like to live with a mental health disorder and continue to fight the stigma through storytelling.

Kaylin R. Staten, APR, is an award-winning public relations practitioner and writer based in Huntington, WV with nearly 16 years of professional communications experience. As CEO and founder of Hourglass Media, she uses her compassionate spirit and expertise to delve into the heart of clients’ stories. She is a recovering perfectionist, mental health advocate, wife, expectant baby + cat mom and Leia Organa aficionado. Connect with Kaylin on LinkedIn.