Dealing with COVID anxiety? Here are some things that can help

EDMONTON (CityNews) – Many people are feeling anxious amid the COVID-19 pandemic, as uncertainty looms several months into the health crisis.

“We recognize that it will have some negative mental health impact, and we need to, first of all, look at how we can try and ameliorate or reduce the impact of that isolation,” Dr. Peter Silverstone explains.

From rising case numbers and when a vaccine will be ready, to whether or not lockdowns will be implemented, there are a number of factors that are weighing on Canadians’ minds.

“It’s level of uncertainty — it’s not just the illness. It’s also the economic uncertainty,” Silverstone says, adding people who may be experiencing anxiety should know they aren’t alone.

He says there are five steps you can take right now to help manage pandemic panic.

“I the first one that we often get is exercise. Staying physically active is incredibly important,” he tells CityNews.

Exercising, much like many other aspects of pandemic life, might look a little different right now, but things like going up and down stairs or finding an online-guided video can help.

For those with children, playing games can help, too.

In addition to getting physically active, Silverstone says breathing exercises can also help alleviate some stress.

“There are a number of very practical breathing solutions. These can include something called the candle and the rose, where you can breathe in, smelling the ‘rose’, and [breathe out] blow out the ‘candle,” he explains.

#2 is BREATHING exercises.

You can save this video of Dr. Silverstone showcasing some techniques for later. pic.twitter.com/G48JcOcAZ0

— Carly Robinson (@CarlyDRobinson) November 24, 2020

Cognitive behavioural therapy, or mindfulness, is also an option, with various exercises widely available.

Looking at the positive in life is another suggestion Silverstone has.

“A suggestion I would like all of you to do. This evening, when you see people for dinner or you speak to somebody, ask them about one positive thing that they saw or heard or experienced today. It’s very important to have positivity in our lives.”

Number 4 is my favourite.

Ask people at the end of the day to name something positive at the end of the day. Even something small, like for me, today my coffee tasted extra delicious. pic.twitter.com/PwmAOUzTrF

— Carly Robinson (@CarlyDRobinson) November 24, 2020

And while pets are still great, people still need human connection. Silverstone recommends making a list of family and friends you can call, and rotating through that list, calling a different person every day.

“And the last thing, I always like to use the analogy: Imagine that your feeling anxious is like being at the bottom of a well and you’re looking up and you want to get out, and there is a ladder to get you out. Each step you take is like a different rung on that ladder.”

Many in the mental health field are saying they’ve seen more people than ever, who didn’t have previous mental health concerns before the pandemic, come forward with anxiety or depression.

Silverstone is part of a team that has volunteered to create an online tool that can connect people with resources.