POST PANDEMIC ANXIETY, AND WHY IT IS ON THE RISE

With current events, the pandemic, and the transition into post-pandemic life, for some people, it may have been a stressful couple of years. In a 2022 study from the WHO, “In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO) today. The brief also highlights who has been most affected and summarizes the effect of the pandemic on the availability of mental health services and how this has changed during the pandemic.”
If you feel as if you likely struggle with signs of anxiety as a result of the pandemic, you are not alone.

Symptoms of Anxiety Include:
Difficulty concentrating
Heavy, or difficult breathing
Difficulty sleeping
Constant state of worry, doom, or danger
Panic attacks
Nausea

Anxiety can also come in multiple forms such as: social, phobias, separation, or general. However, there are ways to treat anxiety in a post pandemic world.  

See a Psychologist

Cases of social anxiety have been on the rise since the pandemic. Many may contribute this to being separated from loved ones during lockdown, the transition from in person to online, or social distancing. If you feel as if you may have social anxiety, it would be beneficial to speak with a psychologist. A psychologist is a medical professional who uses psychotherapy in order to understand mental health. A psychologist can help you understand any situation in a new way, without judgment, or expectations.

Naperville Psychological Associates LLC has been treating patients with anxiety and mood disorders for over 5 years. Naperville Psychological Associates LLC offers an Acceptance, Commitment Therapy. ACT is a mindfulness based therapy that focuses on three areas: accept your reactions and be present, choosed a valued direction, and take action.

Develop a Self Care Routine

A self care routine can be beneficial to treating anxiety. Incorporate activities such as meditation, journaling, physical activity, arts and crafts, cooking, etc. as an exciting way to manage stress. Another way to manage stress is to do small things for yourself that would be beneficial in the long term. For example, incorporating your favorite colors into your work space can elevate your mood.

Practice Mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness is important for treating anxiety, because it helps bring awareness to oneself and their surroundings. This can be done through breathing exercises, physical activity, meditation, journaling, etc. The benefits to practicing mindfulness include:

Better focus and concentration
Increased sense of calm
Decreased stress & anxiety
Enhanced health
Improved impulse control
Increased self-awareness
Skillful responses to difficult emotions
Increased empathy and understanding of others
Development of natural conflict resolution skills

If you have any symptoms of anxiety, or decreased mental health as a result of the pandemic, do not hesitate to reach out to Naperville Psychological Associates LLC to treat it.

Call Dr. Nina Appadurai at (630) 849-5155 or Reach by email at [email protected]