With the outbreak and rising numbers of coronavirus cases across the world, people are becoming more and more worried about being exposed and also exposing others to it.
Speaking from someone with a diagnosis of extreme anxiety and as someone who struggles with health anxiety I can tell you that this outbreak has really scared me. I get anxious as the thought of being ill and also go into panic when my family become ill. So I wanted to share with you some tips and advice about mental wellbeing during this outbreak and process.
Tips for your mental wellbeing during the Covid19 outbreak
- Limit your exposure to social media feeds about the topic of the virus and government unless necessary to get updates.
- Talk to someone you can trust about how you feel with your anxieties surrounding the virus and current situation. There are also helplines out there to talk to you about the worries and troubles you’re facing.
- Working from home if possible or talking to your work about your worries surrounding health and any implications you may face.
- Talking to a professional or looking on the official websites to get accurate information on the virus, symptoms, updates and lifestyle changes surrounding the virus so you can be fed proper info and avoid any incorrect information causing further worry. I know that when in doubt and my anxiety soars through the roof, I need to hear the facts and figures from professionals. Sometimes debunking myths can really aid health anxiety and lead to a better mental wellbeing.
- Find your own ways of feeling secure such as using hand gel, wipes, having a specific routine each day and wearing protective gear if possible.
- Self isolating if possible to dull your chances of exposure or risk. While this may seem like a difficult task, especially if you like getting out, now is the chance to arm yourself with supplies and tasks to occupy your mind. If you need a pile of books to distract you, or there are courses you have wanted to take, now is the perfect opportunity for healthy distraction. Taking the opportunity to order a new set of glasses from a site like Eyeglasses.com and getting to grips with learning material makes it an investment, one that will make all the difference if you struggle to stay indoors.
- Take your mind off of things by practising a favourite hobby or putting your time and effort into a project like blogging, knitting, crafting, baking or even self care routines. Turning a negative into a positive always helps me cope.
- Take care of your health by keeping a healthy balanced diet, taking vitamins, sleeping well and looking after yourself in general.
- Not panicking (as silly as this sounds) and trying to keep everything in perspective. An anxious mind can be detrimental to your physical health.
- Get yourself some paracetomal, vapour rub and headache aids such as head rub, strips and even herbal remedies as well as essential oils to ease anxiety and headache. Stock up but try not to overdo it and panic buy as it is a vicious cycle
I want you to keep in mind that although we may not want to hear it, the truth is far better than any sugar coated information fed through unreliable sources. Incorrect information can cause more anxiety than not. Truth may be hard to hear at times but it is best to keep ourselves clued up from reliable sources.
Keep yourself safe, well and positive and out of anyone elses vicious cycles. Do what’s best for your own wellbeing mentally and physically.
Maureen
•5 months ago
Good post!
Lucy
•5 months ago
If everyone follows these rules, the Coronavirus will eventually disappear! Stay safe lovely x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
burstsofautumn
•5 months ago
Thank you! We can do this Lucy! x
Lisa Marie Alioto
•5 months ago
These are great tips – esp. the one about overexposure to hearing about it. I listen to my Governor’s daily speech and part of hte president’s and that’s it
burstsofautumn
•5 months ago
Thank you! I do think it’s important to limit exposure and ensure you are only hearing from reliable sources as the amount of myths on the internet can cause panic and anxiety amongst people. Stay safe & thank you for the comment! x
burstsofautumn
•5 months ago
Thank you so much for your comment! Exactly! We have to know what sources are reliable to help ourselves 🙂
Stay wonderful,
Louna x
Natasha
•5 months ago
These are great tips! I’ve had to limit reading the news because it was making me so anxious. It’s important to be informed, but I think I had to find a balance between being informed and becoming obsessed with it. Stay healthy my friend.
burstsofautumn
•5 months ago
Thank you so much for taking the time to read & comment my lovely! I completely agree that balance is key because we can easily become consumed with news and it becomes so negative and detrimental to our mental health. You stay healthy too!
I hope to speak soon!
Stay wonderful,
Louna x
Sy
•5 months ago
Banging post. I’ve been doing face steams with Vix, and it’s been really helpful.
I think it’s so important to limit news and social media and just create a boundary for sure!
burstsofautumn
•5 months ago
Thank you! I love Vix and I have lots of the downloadable content to read through to help with certain things within blogging which is fab! It’s a great way to keep occupied whilst also being productive!
Thanks for the comment!
Stay wonderful,
Louna x
Anonymous
•4 months ago
Thanks for writing this as I really needed to hear it. I’m really struggling with anxiety and panic attacks right now due to this whole situation and the added pressure of working from home and not seeing anyone. Stay Safe B xx
burstsofautumn
•4 months ago
Bless you. Thank you so much for reading my post. I completely understand how difficult this situation is with anxiety and such on top. Please know you are never alone and you can talk to so many wonderful people who understand to a certain extent how you feel. I’m always a message or comment away if you need someone to talk to! Don’t suffer in silence. You matter 🙂
Stay safe and stay wonderful B!
Louna x
Anonymous
•4 months ago
Thank you so much for your reply. Everyone has such busy lives and especially now trying to keep themselves and families safe that I don’t want to burden them with what’s going on in my head. I also hope you understand why I’ve kept this anonymous there are lots of people that would make fun of me writing this post. We’re actually already friends on Facebook so maybe one day I’ll drop you a message. Keep smiling and stay safe B xx
burstsofautumn
•4 months ago
You are absolutely more than welcome. You never have to thank me 🙂 I’m here for everyone should they want and need me. I like to make the internet a safe place, so starting on my site and socials is a great place for people to come and feel welcome and safe. That’s what matters to me. If anyone were to make fun of anyone on my socials on blog, they would be removed and blocked. I have a no hate or rudeness policy I stick to and would never tolerate mean people.
You are never a burden. You are human and your feelings matter ALWAYS. The world is tough. Especially right now with the current pandemic. Isolation is hard even for those who spend a lot of time alone, as well as those who are used to spending it with a household. No matter how big or small, your struggles and thoughts matter. Message me anytime! Please 🙂 I’m always here. I may take a while to reply sometimes due to my own demons bringing me down, but I care deeply so never think I don’t!
Thank you again for your reply and please stick around. Message me. Stay wonderful and stay safe B!
Louna x