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Covid, Anxiety and Flattening The Curve

Deborah Bryson

How do we learn to live  in a space of disruption?

Anxiety is a normal reaction to uncertainty. The Corona Virus and the COVID-19 illness make for a very uncertain future. We are all worrying about our own health and the health of our loved ones. You may also have a lot of concerns around school or work, finances, your ability to take part in community and social events and hobbies, and other connecting parts of your life. People who already experience anxiety may find their anxiety worsening.

This is an anxious and stressful time for everyone, and it’s okay if you feel more anxious than usual. This is an opportunity to take time to address your mental health. Most people are doing the best they can in a time when simply turning on the news can feel overwhelming. I have had many conversations about the anxiety people feel in what used to be routine tasks like going to the grocery store.

While anxiety is a normal and expected reaction to the pandemic, too much anxiety can start to cause harm. Feeling stressed and fearful every day takes a toll on physical, mental and spiritual health and well-being. When anxiety and fear lead to panic and despair, people may also take precautions that ultimately cause disruptions,  such as  stockpiling certain supplies to the point that those goods aren’t available to the rest of our community.

Building New Book Ends:

How I think of getting through this time in history is this…We need bookends and markers throughout our day to define our meaning and value to ourselves, family, work and community. So in times like these we need to construct new bookends to be able to handle that uncertainty. 

I think of bookends on my day as activities that  create s sense of structure by dividing mark the day into sections. So it’s like this:  

  1. Get up at the same time every day and go to bed at your regular time.

  2. Do your customary morning routine- shower and dress nicely for the day. Do your hair the way you typically would.

  3. Eat a healthy breakfast and be careful how much coffee and tea you are consuming.

  4. Drink more water.

  5. Have a morning routine that guides you even if it is slightly different than your regular routine.

  6. Have a nice lunch at your usual time; eat at the kitchen or dining room table with a nice plate, napkin and a large glass of water.

  7. Have an afternoon routine that includes a coffee/tea break

  8. Then stop that routine at the usual time you get home from work.

  9. Then go about your evening activities

  10. Build in exercise and getting outside every day for at least 20 minutes (especially between the hours of 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. That is when we get the best and most natural Vitamin D.

My message is to try and make a new normal in this time of formless anxiety. 

Think about what others need.  On Sunday when I was a bit low I got a knock on my door and my neighbours made up a gluten free snack tray for me and sent it over, on Monday someone shovelled my driveway, last night I got a call from my friend who started the conversation this way “Can you tell me the difference between trauma and crisis”. 

The Conversation went from there and it was lovely, healing and full of energy and compassion. Notice kindness and the efforts others are making, and then make the same kinds of efforts.  Notice those around you who might not have family or friend connections and reach out.

Each day when I get up I think about how I can be compassionate, kind and reach out to others during this time and I know many of you are doing the same thing.

The healthiest place to be is somewhere in the middle of hyper arousal and denial. Corona virus and the COVID-19 illness are serious and we should be concerned about the situation. However, we will get through this. 

When you feel anxious and uncertain about the future, it’s easy to feel hopeless.

Take action: Taking reasonable action can help you take back control and reduce anxiety.

Stay connected: Find ways to connect with people. If you can’t see someone in person, you can still reach out by phone, text, or video call. This week, two young women in our community were socially active, responsible and compassionate by collecting food and money for our food bank.  They showed a fine example of what it means to stay connected to our community in an outstanding way.  They also gave others like me the opportunity to give just a little to those who are less fortunate. 

Ask for what you need

People feel anxious about the future at the best of times, and none of us have ever encountered a pandemic like this before. It’s okay if you need help.

Here are some signs you might benefit from extra help and support:

  • You can’t think about anything other than corona virus or the COVID-19 illness

  • Your anxiety interferes in your daily life—for example, you have a hard time going to work or being in public spaces even when the risk is very low

  • You feel hopeless or angry about the situation

  • You have a hard time eating or sleeping well

  • You experience physical symptoms like frequent headaches, an upset stomach or general body pain.

  • You emotional balance seems a bit off, including depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, grief and so on.

  • Your alcohol or drug intake is increasing

  • You might be thinking about or have a plan for suicide.

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