With COVID-19, there have been changes among those who had pre-existing anxiety. While some people’s anxiety has worsened in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, others have reported a measured improvement. When asked by the Huffington Post, people with anxiety explained that the pandemic has allowed them to slow down and focus more on their mental health, thereby allowing them space and time to begin healing.
Adjusting to the New Normal
Author Marzi Wilson states that, while she initially felt panic during the onset of the pandemic, she was eventually able to adjust to the new normal. Wilson explained that when the pandemic first started, she felt like all she was doing was waiting for the disease to hit home. Going out for essentials was exhausting and terrifying, and being in a store longer than a few minutes would send her into a panic attack. However, when isolation started to become the new normal, Wilson’s anxiety-filled days actually became easier. There were fewer obligations and engagements that she had to deal with. She felt safe at home and was more worried about what would happen when it was time to rejoin the world.
Finding New Outlets to Soothe Anxiety
Another individual, Javier Montalvo, said that at first, it was easy to live at home in isolation since that was where he felt the most comfortable. However, once he realized this pandemic would last a while, his anxiety increased drastically, as the result of not knowing when restrictions would end. Luckily, Montalvo channeled his anxiety into creating his own YouTube channel where he made connections, had meaningful interactions and made new friends that he would not have met if it had not been for the pandemic. Montalvo found it important to stay positive and find ways to keep his mind occupied even when he had bad days.
Finding New Healthy Habits
Soy Ay’s anxiety symptoms worsened during COVID-19 as the result of pandemic specific concerns like losing his job, teletherapy, his future, his sleep, and his social life. Furthermore, he worried about his health and the health of his loved ones. Instead of leaving himself alone in his thoughts, Ay decided to focus on one day at a time and celebrate the victories in his life. Ay implemented habits to decrease anxiety and improve mental health, like exercising at home and restricting time spent on his phone. He would replace his phone time with reading or sketching future webcomics. The COVID-19 pandemic may be very scary when you have anxiety, but you can use your time at home resourcefully and continue to connect with others.
You would think that anxiety would be a serious concern during a global pandemic. While anxiety is still an issue for many, there have actually been a lot of people who decided to use quarantine as an opportunity to improve mental health and practice self-development. These individuals used tactics like connecting with others, engaging in new hobbies and activities, and practicing other healthy habits to maintain a positive outlook, despite external circumstances. If you are still struggling with anxiety, Alta Loma is here to help. Here at our transformative treatment facility in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with the tools you need to recover your mental health and live the life you deserve. We have specialized therapists you can talk to, as well as therapeutic recreational activities, medication management opportunities, life and coping skills education, and more. For more information on what we offer, call (866) 457-3843.
