PTSD & Anxiety

You certainly don’t have to have PTSD to be anxious over all the implications of COVID-19, the Coronavirus that is currently making its’ rounds throughout the United States and the world. If you turn on the television or your computer, you are flooded with reports of how people are being affected by the virus. Most of the news consists of projections for how serious the outbreak can be. For those who are already anxious, this additional stress can be almost as overwhelming as having the virus itself!

While it is understandable to be concerned about the Coronavirus, immersing yourself in a constant barrage by watching the news all day long only makes things more problematic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is the utmost authority in the U.S. about preventing and controlling pandemic outbreaks. Follow their advice and you will reduce your risk considerably. 8

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Properly dispose of used tissues.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, arm, or elbow if you don’t have a tissue.
• Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect objects or surfaces that may have come into contact with germs.
• Make plans for what will happen if someone in the home becomes ill or if quarantine or shelter-in-place measures are ordered.

While it is wise to keep abreast of what is developing with the Coronavirus, do not watch television or follow it on your computer all day long. Remember, most people who get the virus will get through it just fine. Even if you are elderly or your immune system is compromised, it is not a guarantee that you can’t survive the virus. Do not give up hope! Do not give in to fear. We will get through this and we’ll be stronger for it.