I’m not sure about everyone else, but my anxiety has skyrocketed during this pandemic. From being furloughed to worrying about COVID-19 to being laid off and starting a job search, it’s just been a lot.
In the words of Chase, I’m over-analyzing and worrying about everything. And, I am — but, I haven’t had a way to put it into words besides overthinking and sulking.
In the past, I would say that I’ve been able to control my feelings. But, I haven’t experienced the things that I’m currently experiencing. Plus, add on motherhood and buying a new home. There is/was just a lot on my plate that has/had my mind racing.
I’m not alone. This pandemic is taking a toll on many people. In one way or another, we can all relate in some way. From our usual worries, COVID and this pandemic are the ice cream icing on the cake that is melting and messing many things up.
And if I had thought about it earlier, I would have jumped at a therapy session or two during my furlough (I still had healthcare!).
While I didn’t go to therapy, I did focus on my triggers. I focused on the times when I would start overthinking and biting my nails. For myself, it’s narrowing down when these moments happen and what triggers these feelings.
My anxious feelings won’t last forever
These feelings won’t last forever. I say that as someone who knows that I can shut it off. It takes a moment, but shutting off or shutting those thoughts out can be a remedy. And, reminding myself that those anxious feelings are for a moment, not a lifetime. If you’re dealing with the anxious moments, remember that they won’t last forever. Sometimes, we have to shut off our minds and distract ourselves. And, I know it can be hard. I’m not going to tell you to do it because I don’t have the solutions, I just have what works for me.
Grounding strategies
For myself, I find that stopping myself and taking a moment to let these feelings have their time has helped me out. If I let them all take over and go away, I’ve found that certain issues go away. For triggers, drinking tea and creating a distraction like reading a book or watching a movie has helped me tremendously. It can be easy to let your thoughts get carried away, so I find that a calming method or action is my best solution. Constant reminders/affirmations to myself are helpful at grounding myself and stopping my thoughts from taking away. Sometimes, you have to take things into your own hands to control issues.
Anxiety can’t physically hurt you
I think one of the many things that we need to realize is that anxiety can’t physically hurt us. Mentally, it’s challenging. And, there will be days where physically you don’t feel like doing anything. Those moments and feelings are fleeting — it’s a wave that comes and goes. You’ll find that some waves are going to pull you under, but it’s up to you (and me) to pull yourself back up to the top. Downing is the best way to describe it. But, you can’t let it win.
Openly talking about my anxiety
Honestly, this has been the most helpful thing for me. We live in a world where we don’t shy away from mental health so I don’t feel discouraged from sharing my feelings. At least, with my friends and people that get anxiety. I’ve just started opening up to my boyfriend about my anxious thoughts as he hasn’t always understood anxiety/mental health until dealing with his own things. As a mom, it’s been nice to talk to other moms about mom anxiety. I worry about Cannon’s future and present. For myself, there are more things added to the pot. It’s been helpful to share and talk through things with people who can help me break things down.
One thing I will do when I get my benefits is start doing therapy sessions. In my opinion, it’s best for my health and a luxury that I will indulge in.
For now, I’m learning to cope and deal with my anxiety the best way that I can. Affirmations and constant reminders of good thoughts have been helpful during this pandemic.
I’m hoping to implement exercise or pilates/yoga, at some point. Something that will produce endorphins and make me happy (Legally Blonde reference). Obviously, throw in a bi-weekly or monthly therapy session because being a mom, a working woman trying to find a fulfilling role, doing all that I can around the house, and the list goes on… gets tiresome.
Your mental health is your mental wealth, remember that. You need to treat yourself good on the outside and inside. Be mindful of your feelings and don’t be too hard on yourself during these times.
Do you have anxiety? If so, what have been your coping methods during these times?
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