These are very uncertain times. The stock market crashing is creating anxiety for many, fearing we are about to enter another Depression. The COVID-19 virus is spreading further each day, causing worry about both ourselves and our loved ones. As the virus spreads, we are being asked to isolate ourselves. Places are closing down and jobs are at risk. For those who work in those areas, anxiety about where the money for rent, utility, and food is going to come from. Our kids are home all day now, and we worry about their schooling and keeping them busy, and safe. Even those who have never been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder are feeling lost and scared. Anxiety treatment may seem something that just isn’t doable at the moment. Yet, it may be the best chance you have of making it through this period with your mental health stable.
Uncertainty
Uncertainty almost always causes some type of anxiety. We are basically creatures of habit. We spend our days working or at school, our evenings with family and friends, and our weekends participating in the same few activities. We shop at the same places, where we know they sell our favorite foods, and we can get the things we need. We pay the same bills at the same time each month. When things start to change, we feel like we are losing control, and with this feeling of losing control, we become scared and anxious.
We are also social creatures. Some of us more than others, but we all need to have people around who help support us. These are people who can reassure us that things are going to be okay. They offer a kind word, physical contact, hope that our anxiety will end. When we are asked to isolate ourselves, we lose that support. When all those around us are anxious, our own anxiety increases. There are both positive and negative ways to go about anxiety treatment.
Self-Medicating As Anxiety Treatment
Many people turn to self-medication as a means of anxiety treatment. They may turn to drugs and alcohol. Those who are already users of these substances may increase the amount they use. Others may experience these for the first time because they don’t know what else to do. These methods are unhealthy and will only lead to more problems in the end.
Anxiety Treatment At Home
There are things you can do at home that can help you reduce anxiety until you can get the help you need. These things include:
- Practice mindfulness by focusing only on this moment or this day. Today you have your home, your family is fed, the lights and heat are on. Tomorrow will take care of itself. Don’t think too far ahead.
- Spend time doing activities you enjoy such as a favorite habit or maybe taking time for the things you never seem to have time for like reading.
- Limit the amount of news you listen to. You can keep abreast of updates from reliable news sources once a day, but refrain from constant checking and going into information overload.
Reaching Out
Anxiety treatment is just a phone call away. Whether you have been experiencing anxiety for years and are finding the current events are making it worse or this emotion is new to you, don’t hesitate to ask for help. With support from someone who understands and won’t judge, you will be able to face your anxiety and learn how to cope with it is a healthy way. You may not have control of the world we are now facing, but you do have the power to control your reaction to it. For more information, you can contact Recovery Ways by calling 888.986.7848.
