COVID-19 and its Effects on Anxiety Disorder

covid-19 and its effects on anxiety
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 positive affirmations

This is temporary. 

I am allowed to be scared positive affirmations

I am allowed to be scared. 

I am safe in this moment positive affirmations

I am safe in this moment. 

Today I will find love and peace of mind positive affirmations

Today I will find love and peace of mind. 

A pandemic does not mean the end of the world positive affirmations

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.

COVID-19 has affected millions, but how does a pandemic effect people with anxiety disorder and what can they do to fight back?

How to Find Alison Seponara, MS, LPC:

Website: AlisonSeponara.com
Instagram: @theanxietyhealer
Facebook: Alison Seponara LPC
Email: AlisonSeponaraLPC@gmail.com

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Hello There!

I'm so honored that you've found us! I'm Heather, a Mom of 3 who blogs about parenting, food, occasional travel and how I overcame my daily struggle with anxiety. I miss sleeping and rely on coffee and laughter to get me through the day. I hope you enjoy and visit often!

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  • Wonderful writing by Alison Seponara. Undoubtedly, this pandemic has changed our lifestyle completely. People are now living with fear, pressure and anxiety. A ray of hope that everything will be alright, help them in fighting with their fear. In this time, people should be more active and use the time to the fullest. Reading books or doing fun activities engage their mind. Students will mostly deal with the scenario because all the educational institutions are closed, they miss their fun memories with their friends. So the functioning of the educational institute through online medium is a wonderful way to keep students engage and the future of the generation bright.

  • This is super helpful for those dealing with anxiety during this pandemic. Having daily affirmations is a wonderful way to keep sane and focused. This is a great resource.

  • Dealing with anxiety is hard – especially when you have very few people validating and supporting you in the midst of this horrific pandemic. Not just that, all the recent events in the world. It’s been hard. I keep trying to remind myself this is a temporary phase in the scope of my life.

  • There are so many stories I’ve heard of people struggling emotionally and mentally through all of this. I don’t think many realize the toll it has taken on our mental health. Kind reminders here to get us through these days.