Coronavirus: Dealing with Major Anxiety

We as adults are in a state of great anxiety and stress. 

As my internist told me, "if you aren't stressed right now, you are either over-medicated/sedated or have a mental illness." Now imagine what our children are feeling during these times. This includes everyone from young adults to young children with disabilities who may not be able to really comprehend what is going on. But they can feel our moods, our stress and will react to it since the news is everywhere and people are acting strangely. 

So, how do we decrease the enhanced state of overwhelming anxiety and depression? We can start by being very factual about things we know and reveal that some things are uncertain, but that they will not last forever. Try to make them understand why they can't see their friends, hug their grandparents and the need to keep washing their hands and keeping clean. We also have to keep ourselves from overreacting, by staying calm and reassuring.  Their anxiety, like ours, will come in waves. 

Some children and young adults will think that we are all going to die, which is not true. They will worry about you dying and who will take care of them should it happen. Yes, life is different now, and it may be for some time, but some day it will return to normal. Suggest they make a list of their favorite activities or things they will do once we can resume our everyday lives. Talk about vacations you might take, family you will visit, even everyday events like going to the park or hanging out with friends. Use Facetime (if you have an iPhone) or even just a make calls to everyone they love. If you can, have a Zoom session with their friends and family.

Then make a list of fun things they are doing right now, such as playing video games online, doing some indoor exercises together, using the computer for online learning, baking together or even having everyone home at the same time. Staying positive will reduce their fears and make this crisis more palatable without long-term PTSD effects.  And limit the amount of news that they see on TV or from social media online. 

Of course, setting boundaries is very important for you as well. Especially if you are trying to work from home or complete tasks. We all need a time out no matter our circumstances, whether this is going in the bathroom and locking the door, taking a walk around the block alone or sitting alone when everyone else has gone to sleep. 

Remember, you have to keep your own sanity in order to preserve that of your family.  I keep reminding myself of this as well. 

—Carol K. Kennedy, Ph.D.