A useful selection to know the main sources of anxiety that may appear during the COVID-19 crisis.
Facing a new and threatening situation such as a pandemic can be a real challenge with implications for our physical and mental health as individuals, as well as for those around us.
The truth is that the coronavirus pandemic has been a generator of anxiety and stress for many people, and this anxiety has had and continues to have not just one, but many causes.
Some people have coped better than others with the stressful effects of the pandemic, but in any case, Living in times of COVID-19 is, for many people, synonymous with frequent worries and anxiety-generating situations.the need to adopt new lifestyle habits and the establishment of new social norms.
Causes of anxiety in times of the coronavirus pandemic
Here we summarize the essential characteristics of each source of anxiety in times of COVID-19.
1. Fear of contagion
The fear of contagion itself is one of the main fears during a prolonged period of pandemic. The constant concern about the possible contagion of the viruswhether due to contracting it ourselves by touching objects or because someone infects us, is the main cause of anxiety in the context of this health and social crisis.
Being aware of the dangers of the disease is a responsible attitude towards the pandemic; However, maintaining an exaggerated level of alarm and concern about contagion throughout the day can end up causing states of sustained anxiety that in the long run usually produce psychological and even physical wear and tear.
Therefore, it is advisable to maintain daily hygiene and safety protocols, with total firmness and tranquility, trusting at all times that with these measures we find the optimal balance between minimizing the risk of contagion and emotionally healthy lifestyle habits. without allowing panic, hysteria or anxiety to dominate us.
2. Fear of losing your job
The coronavirus crisis has had devastating consequences for both the global economy and the employment of many families around the planet. Millions of people have lost their jobs and many more live every day in fear of losing their jobs, a cause of anxiety that adds to the already worrying health situation.
This conjunction between the threat of the virus and the uncertainty of all those people who do not know if they will keep their job tomorrow generates notable states of anxiety and fear for the future, which undoubtedly affect the person’s daily life.
For those people who have a family in their care, the possible loss of employment is an even more worrying prospect, since the support of their children or other family members depends on their salaries. In cases like this, the key is how this anxiety is managed, since many times, it becomes part of the problem and hinders the adoption of measures to adapt to the new situation in the best possible way.
3. Infection from a loved one
In the same way that there is concern about self-infection, during a pandemic, Our concerns also extend, even to a greater extent, to the health of family and friends.especially that of the most intimate and those who have a greater vulnerability to respiratory diseases, in this case.
The moment a family member, especially if they belong to the population at risk of contagion, contracts the virus, worry and anxiety about their condition become intense and constant; Our mind explores different hypothetical situations to try to anticipate events.
A high level of worry and stress sustained over time can also be a great source of anxiety that, in times of pandemic, can affect a person’s health and also their correct functioning in their daily lives.
4. Too much bad news
Repeated exposure, over a short period, to a systematic bombardment of bad news in the media, can also generate anxiety in any person and even affect their emotional health in a more intense way.
The excessive coverage carried out by the media on the COVID-19 pandemic, together with the different waves of infections that have occurred, make it possible for this disease to be the main topic of each day in all areas of life, which can to physically and mentally saturate many people.
5. Anxiety due to lack of social contact
Confinement and physical and social distancing guidelines have been the usual trend in the first months of the pandemic.
These norms of behavior have been installed in our society for an indefinite periodand in addition to having an obvious impact on social customs and conventions, they can also negatively affect the mental health of a large part of the population.
And the lack of physical contact with others, not being able to see our loved ones during confinement and long periods of teleworking alone at home can cause states of anxiety and even depression in specific cases.
6. Anxiety about the economic and social situation
As mentioned, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our society at a health level, but also in the economic and social spheres.
This fact has caused in many cases, the anguish caused by the global health crisis to mix with concern about the general economic situation and for the transformation that this can entail for a country, which results in a cocktail of suffering and desolation that generates states of anxiety, frustration or stress in the general population, especially in the most humble strata.
7. Change in lifestyle habits
All of the factors described above can significantly influence a person’s daily functioning and cause changes or difficulties when it comes to maintaining the same lifestyle patterns and habits that were carried out before the pandemic. These changes, in turn, can also be a source of anxiety and discomfort in a person’s life.
Some of the areas in which anxiety in times of COVID-19 can modify usual patterns of behavior are difficulties falling asleep or changes in sleep patterns, changes in dietdifficulties in concentrating on tasks or an increase in health problems to take care of.
Are you interested in going to psychotherapy?
In times of pandemic crisis, it is normal to need professional psychological help so that day-to-day life does not overwhelm us. If you think you are going through a bad time or even that you may be developing a psychological disorder, I invite you to contact our team; in PSiCOBAi We will assist you and help you with the most effective forms of psychotherapeutic intervention adapted to your case.
