Anxiety, amongst other mental health disorders, is on the rise in today’s world, especially with the ongoing pandemic. Too often people suffer from stress, anxiety, panic attacks, etc. while trying to ignore or brush off the symptoms. For some reason or another it seems taboo to speak of mental health concerns. Mental health, like physical health, is just as important for one’s well-being; it’s never too late to acknowledge and address mental disorders. With the pandemic still on the rise today, anxiety can quite possibly increase due to a range of factors. Focusing on reducing anxiety during these trying times could be beneficial to many.
Dealing with anxiety can affect a person whether at home, in public, work, or especially crowds. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety can cause fatigue, unstable emotions, excess energy, and even difficulties developing a healthy bedtime routine. These symptoms can present themselves as physical ones leading to even larger health complications. Anxiety should not be ignored or put on the back burner, but rather discussed preferably with a medical professional. The symptoms manifested from anxiety could also be caused from stress or worsen over time. Anxiety is not something the public should fear; this should be faced and treated like any other illness.
Admitting to having anxiety is stressful enough, making an appointment with a medical provider shouldn’t have to be. Whether someone struggles with social stress or generalized, making a phone call, or speaking in person can seem very intimidating. Many medical providers have the option to call ahead and make an appointment; others have a walk-in clinic where anxiety can increase further while in the waiting room. Sitting in a room full of strangers that may or may not be sick is enough to make most people concerned about what they may catch from breathing in the air. What if there was an option to avoid both scenarios by scheduling appointments for mental health concerns online? This could eliminate an enormous amount of fear and anxiety prior to the actual doctor’s visit.
Thankfully with technology, there are ways to make booking online appointments available. With the ease of smartphones and computers, an online booking app can be used by providers for patients everywhere. This takes the fear and work out of calling, and in-office scheduling. Anxiety just came down a few notches when applying oneself to getting treatment. Any form of making life easier is great—why not make anxiety less of a worry? There are so many tools and tips for people to use in the world for health concerns that it’s great to hear of new ideas. Whether a person is struggling alone or in the workplace, being able to reach out to someone shouldn’t be difficult. Fear and stress seem to be a vicious cycle that keeps anxiety circling round and round. To have a starting point of where to begin or focus on relaxing can be comforting to many.
While waiting to see a doctor or trying to reduce anxiety with self-control, there can be ways to practice during the pandemic from home. Oftentimes writing in a notebook or a specialized diary can get feelings out onto paper. Once emotions are written down, it can be good to close the book and leave them there. For those tech savvy people, online journals are just as great! According to Mayo Clinic, activities such as physical exertion, adequate sleep, reducing alcoholic beverages, and a healthy diet can all improve symptoms of anxiety. From walking to running, it doesn’t matter; physical exercise can release chemical hormones that balance and boost the mood. Perhaps someone does most of this anyway, but there are other options as well. Anything from a favorite hobby to achieving more sleep can improve overall stress and anxiety. Bringing the mind to a happier place during this pandemic can be helpful to everyone with or without anxiety; let’s be honest, most people have some extent of stress and deserve to feel happy.
With the stress of COVID-19, mental health disorders have increased due to the fear, illness, and deaths this pandemic has induced. According to statistics, at least 40.9% of Americans have admitted to having increased mental health concerns since the pandemic began. That’s an alarming amount considering most people don’t know how to begin coping with such worries. With medical providers and counselors available, anyone suffering should seek help to overcome this painful battle. Mental health disorders can seem discouraging; there is no shame in seeking help. With the ease of online appointment scheduling, let some of that fear dissipate as the first step is made. Schedule that appointment, let technology help reduce social anxiety.
Regardless of the fear, there are options to help people, and taking the first step is the most fulfilling. The COVID-19 pandemic is real and terrifying, but so is not speaking up about anxiety. The pandemic has been ongoing, meaning people need help getting through this tough time; the same is true for anxiety—stay strong and keep going.