Overcoming COVID-19 Anxiety: Proven Strategies to Face and Calm Your Fears

Waking up startled, heart pounding, drenched in cold sweat? It's not a nightmare—it's the harsh reality of COVID-19 anxiety for many. Lockdowns disrupted lives worldwide, leaving lasting emotional impacts. As mental health experts note, understanding these effects and applying evidence-based strategies can help restore calm and control.

What Exactly Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a powerful emotional response characterized by intense worry. While it can be fleeting, chronic anxiety alters behavior and impairs daily functioning. The government's March lockdown to curb COVID-19 spread triggered or intensified it for countless individuals.

Lockdown's Lasting Effects

Why the Anger and Fear?

For some, lockdown began as a terrifying ordeal but evolved into a false sanctuary. Home felt safe from the virus, fostering social phobias—extreme fear of venturing out or encountering others. The outgoing neighbor could quickly become reclusive.

Yet fear of contamination isn't alone. Research identifies these top stressors[1]:

• Fear of infection and feeling unprotected;
• Worries about shortages of water, food, or money for essentials;
• Frustration from lost freedom;
• Challenges accessing non-emergency medical care;
• Doubts over information reliability.

Physical and Social Toll

Anxiety often shows physically: stomach issues, eczema flare-ups, or sleep disturbances affecting 74% of French adults[2]. Socially, 86% feared for loved ones[3], 53% missed interactions, and 23% worried about relationship strains.

Who Is Most Vulnerable?

While lockdown upended everyone, those with depression, seniors, or chronic conditions weakening immunity face heightened risks from stress.

Expert Tips to Manage Stress

Proven steps can alleviate anxiety:

• Stay connected via phone—share feelings and distract yourself.
• Exercise to boost endorphins, your body's natural mood elevators.
• Maintain consistent sleep schedules.
• Limit news exposure if it fuels worry.
• Practice relaxation: Meditate daily or use apps like Zenfie, Daily Yoga, or Calm.
• Seek support: Talk to friends, professionals, or services like your mutual insurer's Wellness Allo Santé psychological assistance.

Don't Ignore COVID-Related Anxiety

Beyond mental strain, untreated anxiety risks broader health issues. Act swiftly—consult specialists, adjust routines, or embrace relaxation for lasting relief.

Sources:

https://institut-sommeil-vigilance.org/lutter-contre-un-stress-chronique-et-consequences-sur-notre-sommeil-en-situation-de-confinement/

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30460-8/fulltext

https://www.mediterranee-infection.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Note-n2-impact-sante-mentale.pdf

https://observatoirecetelem.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/rapport-harris-t2s1-le-passage-au-confinement-cetelem.pdf

[1] The Lancet reviewed 24 studies on key confinement stressors.

[2] Coconel investigation.

[3] Harris survey for Cetelem Observatory.