Don't Let COVID-19 Anxiety Overwhelm You
Central Florida Health News|April 2020
New illnes and pandemics have created intense fear and panic throughout human history, but somehow science prevails.
By Mary Joye, LMHC
Don't Let COVID-19 Anxiety Overwhelm You

Protecting yourself from new contagions is something we should be concerned about, but many are developing vicarious trauma and anxiety symptoms, glued to the news about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, when prevention turns to panic, we have more than a physical health crisis; mental health can also be impaired.

Knowledge truly is power. Education and intellectual application can override emotions and dissuade anxiety. That said, if you’re a senior, child, immune compromised, or have lung, heart or diabetes issues, check with your doctor about what you can do to keep yourself safe.

If only the anxiety created by COVID-19 is your major concern, below are seven building blocks for stabilization.

1. Precautions vs. panic. Panic and fear stimulate the production of stress hormones, which lessen our immune systems. It’s normal to have some anxiety and to cancel travel plans if you are immune compromised. That’s proactive, not reactive. Panic puts us in fight, flight or frozen mode and produces chaos and fear. Precautions relieve anxiety by reducing risk factors.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Central Florida Health News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2020 edition of Central Florida Health News.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CENTRAL FLORIDA HEALTH NEWSView All
Skin Cancer Screening a Necessity For Floridians
Central Florida Health News

Skin Cancer Screening a Necessity For Floridians

HEALTHY SKIN - It should come as no big surprise that simply living in Florida puts you at an increased risk for skin cancer. The reason for this is simple: The biggest cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV light) from the sun.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2021
Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs
Central Florida Health News

Youths and Suicide: Spot the Warning Signs

Many health experts have noted that the pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health as of late. September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to focus on how to help those who are suffering.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2021
The Age of Entitlement
Central Florida Health News

The Age of Entitlement

BODY, MIND & SPIRIT - Every generation has voiced some form of critical opinions of youth. The old term “whippersnapper” labeled an overconfident or defiant adolescent. Today’s buzzword is “entitled,” and while blaming this on social media is convenient, it is not realistic.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2021
Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement
Central Florida Health News

Robotics Help Refine Hip, Knee Replacement

ORTHOPAEDIC HEALTH - As we move further into the 21st century, more and more of the amazing things that science fiction promised us are becoming reality. One fascinating technological development is the use of robots in a variety of applications – including orthopaedic surgery. There are many reasons to utilize robots in various medical procedures, and the evidence is growing that the advantages of doing so are numerous.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2021
Packing a Nutritious School Lunch May Call for Some Stealth
Central Florida Health News

Packing a Nutritious School Lunch May Call for Some Stealth

We want our families to have a healthy diet, especially the youngsters going back to school. We give them a good breakfast and plan a nutritious dinner, but what about lunch? We can pack a healthy lunch for our children, but will they eat it?

time-read
3 mins  |
September 2021
Protect Yourself, Your Family From The Flu
Central Florida Health News

Protect Yourself, Your Family From The Flu

Polk County schools are back in session which means your child is likely encountering many viruses every day. To protect their health and that of your family, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County encourages people 6 months of age and older to seek a flu shot on a yearly basis. The flu shot is the best way to protect families and communities against the spread of influenza.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2021
NEW DOCTORS IN A NEW ERA
Central Florida Health News

NEW DOCTORS IN A NEW ERA

Pandemic Offers Unique Education for Medical Residents Starting Their Careers

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2021
DETERMINATION & DREAMS
Central Florida Health News

DETERMINATION & DREAMS

Polk State Respiratory Care Student Works Hard To Reach Her Goals

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2021
Happiness Happens… In the Sun!
Central Florida Health News

Happiness Happens… In the Sun!

HEALTHY AGING

time-read
2 mins  |
September 2021
DEEP DIVE INTO THE DELTA VARIANT
Central Florida Health News

DEEP DIVE INTO THE DELTA VARIANT

Lakeland Regional Health’s Dr. Haight Talks About the Latest Threat

time-read
4 mins  |
September 2021