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Read articles from Journey to Wellness Counseling, LLC offers counseling therapy in southern CT and throughout Connecticut. Individual, Couple, Family, Group therapy, specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, family systems therapy, bilingual services, hospice, end of life, and various mental health issues. via Telehealth, Zoom available.

Effects of COVID-19 on Stress & Anxiety

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COVID-19 is having a significant emotional and psychological effect on nearly everyone. Fear and anxiety can be overwhelming affecting both children and adults in several ways. Social distancing may aggravate stress and anxiety by making people feel isolated, lonely and losing control.

According to the CDC, here are some of the current concerns:

  • Fear and worry about your own health or your loved ones

  • Fear and worry about your financial situation or job,

  • Loss of support services you rely on

  • Changes in eating patterns

  • Difficulty sleeping or concentrating

  • Worsening of chronic health problems

  • Increased use of tobacco, and/or alcohol and other substances.

By the Numbers

According the Hartford Healthcare, “Census Bureau statistics state the 24 percent of 42,000 respondents reported significant symptoms of major depressive disorder and 30 percent symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder – were, in some cases, double those uncovered in 2014. In Connecticut, 36 percent said they felt anxious or depressed.”

  • The most affected age group is people aged 18-40 with 42% reporting anxiety and 36% depression.

  • This is closely followed by people aded 30-39 with 34% having anxiety and 28% depression.

  • Even though more at risk, the older population (80+) only reported 11% with anxiety and 9% feeling depressed.

The large numbers from the younger generation is alarming in that this is the group that normally feels invincible. The CDC developed the COVID-19 Parental Resource Kit: Ensuring Children and Young People’s Social, Emotional, and Mental Well-being program to help support parents, caregivers, and other adults serving children and young people in recognizing children and young people’s social, emotional, and mental health challenges .

Home Isolation

If you were exposed to COVID-19 or actually have the virus, home isolation can cause mixed emotions. Some are be worried about infecting others while others may feel relief that they survived. As friends and family start to show fears that you are contagious and treat you differently, you may feel sadness, anger, frustration or even guilt about not being able to resume your normal activities and responsibilities as quickly as you would like.

Knowing the Facts Can Help

Stopping rumors and focusing on the latest facts can significantly lower stress levels. By concentrating on reliable sources, you will be able make wise, informed decisions for both you and your family. Visit the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Department of Veteran Affairs, and professional mental health publications like Psychology Today to get the latest facts and recommendations.

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Coping Suggestions

Take a break from the endless news cycle and try to make time to unwind and connect with others. It is important to reach out to your friends and family while also taking care of yourself. Try to remember to reach out to those that are isolated. If you are the one that is lonely, reaching out to the community and maintaining social connections can help them as well as you.

Taking care of your physical body by eating healthy, exercising regularly and getting plenty of sleep may help with your mental state.

Getting Immediate Help

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help immediately. Here are some resources recommended by the CDC:

Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health

For More Information

Please feel free to reach out to Journey to Wellness Counseling, LLC which offers Telehealth options.

Andrea-Lynne DeCrosta