Anxious but not alone
People can only take so much stress before they start to break down—with worry, anxiety, sleeplessness, and more. Statistics show that applies to a lot of people right now. A recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association of 1000 adult Americans in April of 2021 showed…
41% are more anxious than last year
- 43% say the pandemic has had a serious effect on their mental health
- 64% are worried about family or loved ones getting sick
- 53% of adults with children report concerns about their children’s mental health
I share these statistics because I want you to know that you are not alone. Resilience only goes so far, and it is completely normal to struggle with anxiety and its many forms.
Plus, if you are seeing people elated that things are opening up, gathering with friends, and celebrating the promise of this pandemic ending...it doesn’t mean you are broken to still feel burdened.
There is no normal way to emerge from what we have all been through over the last year+. Our realities and sense of safety have all been upended. As we transition back to some of our old ways of doing this, you do it your way and let them do it theirs. Here are some ways to help ease your anxiety when you feel that familiar feeling coming on:
- One therapist suggests recommended plunging your hands into ice water or splashing some on your face. Sensorial stimulation with cold water can break through dissociative feelings that often accompany anxiety and offer immediate relief from heightened cortisol levels.
- Acknowledge that you’re feeling anxiety and give yourself permission to feel uncomfortable.
- Try tapping to stimulate your Vagus nerve. EFT has been shown to help. By tapping certain parts of your body you stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system which is calming.
- Shut down social media. Social media ― and the internet in general ― often heighten anxiety and fear, sometimes through encounters with inaccurate information or information not relevant to the particular situation.
- Journal your feelings.
- Seek Help! You are not alone!
- Eat whole foods! Your body needs nutrients to make neurotransmitters and junk food can cause more than just G.I. distress, it can affect energy and negative thinking.
Supplements that can help anxiety include:
- Vitamin B6
- L-Theanine
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B3
- Ashwagandha
- GABA
- 5-HTP
- Rhodiola
There are things we can do to help! Reach out for more information!
References
National Poll Shows 'Concerning' Impact of COVID on Americans' Mental Health - Medscape - May 03, 2021. [link]
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/anxiety-tips-therapists-swear-by_n_5b2bf149e4b00295f15a91bf