The coronavirus is a real physical threat to our well-being. What is less obvious, however, is how it is affecting our mental health. With 24-hour news cycles dedicated to all things coronavirus, it is impossible to avoid hearing about the serious consequences of the disease. While no one wants to become physically ill, sometimes the psychological impact can be just as devastating. Here are some of the ways COVID-19 affects our mental health and what to do about it.

Anxiety

Anxiety is the most obvious consequence of the coronavirus. How can you not be anxious about catching the most contagious and deathly virus of the past 50 years? The death count is posted daily on every news outlet and you can’t help but worry about such a dangerous health threat. People have become doomsday preppers, hoarding toilet paper and antibacterial wipes like we are about to be hit by a nuclear bomb. The world is in a panic and that sort of anxiety is contagious. If everyone around you is acting like the world is ending, you will probably figure that you need to be worried too.

Germs

As a result of all this anxiety, we have become a society of germ avoidance. There is a constant desire to wash our hands and wipe down infected surfaces. We have become ever vigilant for that next available bottle of hand sanitizer. For most people, these weeks of the coronavirus pandemic will simply lead to better hygiene practices. For others, however, cleanliness will become an unhealthy obsession. We should expect a rise in the diagnoses of specific germ phobia and germ-related obsessive-compulsive disorder. We can also expect that people who already possessed these problems will reach levels of almost unbearable anxiety.

Physical Contact

Another long-term consequence of our anxiety is a decrease in physical contact. We are now being told to stay six feet away from other people. Although this is a temporary recommendation, it would not be surprising to see people continue to avoid physical contact after the coronavirus subsides. Gestures like handshakes and hugs may go the way of the Macarena and Electric Slide. We are likely to be warier of physical touch and, unfortunately, that would be to our detriment. You see, physical contact is important. It is a way to stay connected and feel supported. Without touch, we are not quite as human.

Money

Regrettably, our anxiety is not only about health. Due to the coronavirus restrictions, many people lost their jobs and have to worry about basic needs, such as a roof over their heads and their next meal. Besides health, worrying about money is probably the worst anxiety you can have; COVID-19 presents us with an anxiety double whammy.

Isolation

The coronavirus has brought us social distancing and quarantines. We are supposed to stay at home and avoid other people. If you did not realize it already, isolating yourself from the rest of humanity is not good for you. To put it into perspective, when you misbehave in prison, you are put in solitary confinement as a punishment. This is not a good thing. Human beings seek connection with other people. We need support and social contact. Isolation leads to loneliness and feeling alone is associated with a host of negative consequences.

Depression

What do you get when you combine anxiety, isolation, insecurity, and a lack of basic needs? That’s right. Depression. I mean, how can you not feel depressed? Almost everyone in the world has been affected by the coronavirus in a negative way. A loved one may be ill. You can’t go to the store. Or eat out at a restaurant. Routines are disrupted. Everything you have come to rely on has changed. An event like this challenges the coping skills of the most well-adjusted individuals. For those people already prone to depression, this can be a dangerous time. Just know that you are not alone. Everyone is struggling in some way.

What Can I Do?

Okay, you get it. Times are tough. So, what can you do about it?

Connect

Being physically isolated does not mean you can’t connect with other people using other forms of communication. We live in an age of online technology. You can keep in contact through video chatting, social media, texting, and the old-fashioned telephone. If you feel like you don’t have people to talk to try an online support group. There are tons of people out there trying to connect. You don’t have to feel alone.

Limit The News

Watching the news these days is like taking an anxiety pill. There is 24-hour news coverage of COVID-19 and all its horrible consequences. It doesn’t do you any good to spend all day hearing about it unless you are a big fan of depression. Instead, catch yourself up on the latest events once a day and then turn it off. There are healthier ways to spend your time.

Self-Care

Taking care of yourself has never been more important. Unfortunately, it has also never been more difficult. Not only may you feel you do not have the free time to practice self-care but you may also be cut off from your regular self-care activities. So, you will need to improvise. The gym may be closed but you can exercise at home. You can still eat healthily. There is more time to sleep than ever before. You can find a Yoga class online. Sometimes, you may just need a few minutes alone. Whatever you do, carve out time to take care of yourself. It may be different than what you normally do but it is still going to be helpful.

Reframe Your Thoughts

When we are faced with a lot of stress we tend to fill our heads with negativity. Realistically, the present situation stinks but is it as bad as you are making it out to be? Take some time to examine your thinking. Is their evidence to support your thoughts or are you being overly negative? As bad as this situation is, it could probably be worse. It may also help to understand that you are not the only one dealing with this crisis. Remember, we are all in this together.

Counseling

Sometimes, people have difficulty dealing with high levels of stress without professional help. Luckily, you can still receive therapy during these troubled times. Most therapists can use videoconferencing platforms to provide remote therapeutic services. Apps like Zoom even allow you to participate in groups. Before you dive in, however, make sure that your insurance will cover it.

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

It would be fair to say that the coronavirus has provided us with a situation we have not experienced in our lifetime. Unfortunately, it has also presented us with unprecedented levels of stress. We must use the resources we have available and be unafraid to lean on the shoulders of friends, family, and therapists. Keep in mind, this is a temporary situation. Life may appear dark and difficult now but we will eventually come out on the other side. And when we do, we will be stronger than before.