Mental Health 101: Anxiety through the Pandemic

In a fast-pace culture, where often our days are accounted and we just can’t seem to find enough time in the day, entering the pandemic shifted our world!

This shift included: working remotely, changes in job structure, learning and setting new boundaries, time management, children adjusting to the demands of remote education. Parents navigated the demands of daycare and/or aiding in the remote-learning of children. Isolation from classmates, care-services were accessed remotely, and parents learned new communication with co-workers through means of virtual platforms. Elective surgeries were postponed, compromised and/or non-verbal individuals navigated communication with the additional safety measure of a mask, and additional public safety measures were implemented. This global pandemic increased levels of anxiety from our daily normal life structures.

Anxiety is associated with the body’s Fight or Flight response (fight or flee). Changes in the body are triggered by the parasympathetic nervous system through the release of stress hormones leading to activation. It’s important to recognize anxiety can occur prior to a test, before a speech, special event or surgery; however, chronic and persistent levels of anxiety can be debilitating in everyday life. Symptoms of anxiety can include persistent fear and worry, rapid breathing, increased heart rate and difficulty sleeping.

Tools for Managing anxiety:

1. Deep Breathing

2. Sing

3. Listen to Music

4. Journaling

5. Mindful Movement

6. Color

7. Think Positively

If symptoms persist, seek professional help.

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