Author: Alison Seponara
Category: Anxiety
Published Date: 05/29/2020
Comments: 27
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Well here we are. In a pandemic. Honestly, I didn’t even know what that meant until it happened. I actually googled ‘pandemic.’ All my anxious brain heard when that word was mentioned was “we’re all going to die.” That is how powerful our mind is, especially if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety. Anxious thoughts have a way of making you feel powerless and often results in physical and emotional symptoms that may seem impossible to control.
For those of us that struggle with anxiety, logic is basically overruled by the belief that something unlikely or impossible will happen. When we feel loss of control or an anxiety attack comes on, the chances of experiencing irrational thoughts increase. One way to start healing and challenge these thoughts is by recognizing they are there in the first place. Once you can label and dissect an irrational thought, you take away its power!
The truth is, we have more control over the way we think than you may realize! The way we think can influence how we feel, which can control our mood the entire day. This is why we have to practice challenging our irrational thinking patterns. It so important to find a replacement thought in times of high anxiety (like a global pandemic for example).
By being more self-aware and acknowledging that this thought pattern is not accurate, you are successfully telling your anxiety that you know it’s creating this altered view of reality…and that it does NOT have the control! Believe me, I’m not saying this is easy to do, and many times impossible to create this habit without the help of a licensed therapist…BUT believe me, IT WORKS!
This is why I believe in the healing power of affirmations. Affirmations are simple, first-person, present-tense, active statements that you repeat to yourself on a regular basis. These statements can remind us that we choose the way we think rather than remaining at the mercy of anxious thoughts. As a result, you create the exact state of mind that you wish to be in and for most of us, that’s a positive, healthy and productive state of mind.
Some of my favorite healing affirmations during COVID-19:
This is temporary.
I am allowed to be scared.
I am safe in this moment.
Today I will find love and peace of mind.
A pandemic does not mean the end of the world.
Write down the affirmations mentioned here and put them up all around your home…where you can constantly VISUALLY SEE THEM! This will help remind you that even in times of panic, the feeling is temporary. Make sure your affirmations REALLY speak to you personally, counter your own negative self-talk, and are meaningful.
How to Find Alison Seponara, MS, LPC:
Website: AlisonSeponara.com
Instagram: @theanxietyhealer
Facebook: Alison Seponara LPC
Email: AlisonSeponaraLPC@gmail.com
Anxiety is a difficult thing and in times like this it can get the best of you. Thank you for sharing this!
This is a great reminder. I do panic at times and I try to remind myself of all the goods things I have going for me. That usually calms me down. That, or lots of chocolate.
I live with someone who has high, high anxiety, and this pandemic has been incredibly hard on her. Every cough, every sneeze, every sniffle could be signs of having the virus. It’s been really hard on her.
Sounds a lot like me, Ben! It’s hard to get out of your own head sometimes. I struggle with it all. But I’m grateful for my husband who is there when I shut down. So continue being that person. It’s appreciated more than you know.
A lovely article, so relevant. It is great that you are creating more awareness and reaching out to so many who are facing anxiety. thank you for sharing ☺️
I personally have someone in my life that has an anxiety disorder and Covid has really affected them. They are afraid to go anywhere…even if they need to go to the doctor…. because of the fear of coronavirus. Thank you for sharing and will have to bookmark and share with him 🙂
I like these so much! They are a good source of perspective when anxiety gets to me. I’m going to print one to place on the wall by my desk. It’ll help alleviate the stress and anxiety of the situation.
This pandemic is more psychological than physical. And I don’t mean that people are not dying or getting sick but this pandemic mess up with our mental health. We have to be positive and continuously say those affirmations because this too shall pass.