Managing anxiety during COVID-19

Read PART 1 here PART 2 - How can we take back control? We have established that anxiety is our body going into ‘fight or flight’ mode, but when we start believing that we have no control over the situation and external sources are responsible for our circumstances, we begin to feel helpless. This helplessness can, in turn, become depression as we tell ourselves, why bother if we cannot control the situation. While some anxiety is good and motivates us to take action, the helpless and subsequent depression restricts us. The elderly and those living alone are more susceptible to this helplessness and the youth have a great opportunity to step up and motivate them. We can control this anxiety with feelings that we are doing something and prevent ourselves from feeling helpless and in turn getting depressed. Here I repeat the importance of guided relaxation and meditation to aid us through. If you are a parent with children at home it is very important that you remain calm an...

PART 1  - Why do we feel Anxious? These are stressful times;  we are living in an uncertain world   and don’t know what the future holds. Every conversation begins and probably ends with one topic; the coronavirus. What is even more mind boggling is that it isn’t restricted to our area, state, city or even country. We are facing the same problems and fears that our friends in Canada, Japan and Australia are. We are united by one common factor, which may be the first in most of our lives. Worldwide we are in lock down, movements are restricted and no one knows when this will end. This uncertain future is enough cause for worry. Most of us are feeling stressed and anxious, but  what is causing this anxiety?  Let’s understand this from a biological view point. When our body senses danger it automatically sends a signal to the brain. The brain, in turn, goes into ‘fight or flight’ mode and the sympathetic nervous system gets activated. When this happens, ...