Anxiety stems from fear, and COVID-19 has created a pandemic of fear and anxiety for many people. Constantly receiving information and realizing we have little control over our actions in getting rid of this virus has been a struggle for people to manage. If you are over-correcting your behavior or having unhealthy thought patterns, there is a chance that you are experiencing health anxiety and need to find healthy means to treat it.
Obsessive Thoughts About the Pandemic
Anxious thoughts interfere with daily life and make it hard for you to carry out your everyday functions. If you are constantly thinking about the COVID-19 pandemic or anything else about your health, interrupt your thoughts with the word “stop” when you notice this obsessive thought train and do something you enjoy. It can be things like listening to your favorite song, organizing your room, calling a friend, reading a book, or engaging in a hobby. Even just a few minutes of disengaging with your stream of thoughts can make a difference in your mental health.
You Are Not Reassured By Negative Test Results
Even when you get a negative test result, your anxiety may still be heightened because you do not feel reassured. This feeling is common with anxiety disorders, feeling like something is wrong with you even when you are told by a medical professional you are fine. While you mustn’t feel your symptoms are being dismissed, having several negative tests and no reassurance can point to an anxiety disorder. It is crucial to address these concerns in talk therapy to see why you still do not trust the tests.
Avoiding Medical Care
When some people have an intense fear of a potential health problem, they may purposefully miss or not schedule their appointments in fear that they have something serious. It is essential to keep up with regular visits and to talk to a doctor about a health issue you are concerned about. If your anxiety has been heightened to the point where you cannot function with your everyday routine, speak to a mental health professional. You can get through this pandemic without increasing your anxiety. Talking to a therapist about your health anxiety can show you that as long as you try your best with proper safety measures and social distance, you have no reason to be anxious.
Anxiety may heighten for some people during these times when so many people are contracting the COVID-19 virus. Instead of believing yourself to be fine, your anxiety is telling you something different. By speaking to a therapist about what is troubling you, you will be able to get through this pandemic with lessened anxiety. At Alta Loma, we understand that anxiety can get in the way of daily functions. We are here to help you gain control of your mental health by offering you individualized therapy, medication management, coping skills education, and more. Call (866) 457-3843 for more information.
