A tough question a growing number of people have been asking themselves lately is this: Is it Coronavirus or anxiety? It’s actually a two-fold question, relating to both mental and physical health. 

Regular Anxiety vs. Coronavirus Anxiety

The first concern many people are dealing with is whether or not they are having a so-called “normal” level of anxiety or if they are experiencing Coronavirus-related anxiety. While everyone feels anxious from time to time, the perils of the pandemic have caused some people to experience panic attacks related to overwhelming fear of contracting the virus and coping with a society so changed by its presence. 

Anxiety Can Mimic Symptoms of the Coronavirus

Anxiety can also present via symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain and a pounding heart, all of which are commonly associated with panic attacks. Doctors warn these same symptoms can be a sign of having COVID-19. If you experience these anxiety-related signs, it may cause you to ask yourself if it’s Coronavirus or anxiety.  A medical evaluation can determine what’s going on.

Keep a Thermometer Handy

Medical experts continue to advise that a fever is the first sign to look for when trying to determine what your physical symptoms may mean. While a panic attack can cause a person to sweat, it does not cause a spike in body temperature. It’s helpful to keep a reliable thermometer in your home in order to check for a fever when you are panicked and wondering if you’re dealing with Coronavirus or anxiety. 

 

Living with anxiety on a daily basis is incredibly stressful. Not knowing when that next panic attack might happen can cause a person to shut down internally, as well as remove themselves from daily life, responsibilities, and relationships. The Coronavirus has exacerbated the amount of anxiety people deal with, which may mean residential care is the best option for managing anxiety symptoms and any needed medication. Call Alta Loma at (866) 457-3843 today to talk to a professional who can help you or someone you love to take charge of a life ruled by anxiety and panic attacks. We know one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to mental health. At our cozy Texas residential facilities, we help men who are just now beginning to take charge of their anxiety, as well as those who have tried other programs that were not a good fit for them.