Coping with Covid-Fatigue & Its Effect on Our Mental Health – Anxiety Counsellor in Vancouver

Covid fatigue is very much real and affecting our mental health in more ways than one. Symptoms in people who were already struggling with mental health issues have become exacerbated and complicated. Even people who have never struggled with anxiety, depression or mental health issues have been finding this past year incredibly difficult to deal with.

The pandemic has brought to the surface emotions, past traumas and fears for the future. With work uncertainties, loneliness, isolation, financial struggles and the ambiguity surrounding the pandemic, more and more people are seeking professional help online. The pandemic’s consequences have also bled into personal relationship issues, work burnout, worries regarding remote work and concerns surrounding the health of friends and family members most at risk.

Whether you seek out the advice of a family member you trust or an anxiety counsellor in Vancouver, having a safety net is crucial.

A Diverse Impact

The pandemic has affected people around the world on an unimaginable scale, and in different ways.

For most health care workers, it has been the most challenging time of their career. They face a constant invisible threat on a daily basis, and with this, comes the risk of bringing this infectious disease home to their families. Other people working in fields that require large group gatherings of people have been facing a different type of stressor. The uncertainty of when the hospitality and entertainment industries will reopen and return to normal function has left millions of people worried and jobless.

Coping Mechanisms on a Global Scale

The stress, fear and emotional distress this pandemic has brought on the planet has resulted in our nervous systems becoming overactivated. All of these various stressors lead to increases in cortisol and overactivity of the autonomic nervous system response which can result in sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, increased risk of addiction, and an overall tendency for mental and physical infirmity.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of health and freedom. We all have coping mechanisms and they’re all different. Some people have been worrying themselves sick. Worrying also gives you a sense of control in a situation where you’re left completely helpless and uncertain. Constantly ruminating on what could go wrong is a way to cling on.

While some people might get affected with body aches and pains or migraines, others might experience gastrointestinal problems or flare-ups in chronic illnesses that get triggered through stress. Some emotionally over-eat, while others under-eat. Some lash out while others pull back

into themselves by self-medicating, whether through drugs, alcohol or other addictive behaviours.

As we can see, all of the elements that increase the risk for mental illness in the past year of the pandemic have increased, while the protective factors such as socializing with family, gathering in faith groups, physical activity, and hope for the future have become either unavailable or uncertain.

If you feel significantly more tired as of late, it’s completely normal. All of these physical, emotional and mental stressors use up a lot of energy. You are also probably doing a lot less of what you’re used to like exercising, walking and getting fresh air. While so many things are out of our control, however, there are also many things we can do to care for ourselves.

Finding Ways to Stay Healthy

It’s so important to find the activities and self-care rituals that work for you.

• For people working from home, try to designate an area of your home that’s specifically made for working. This will help your brain adjust and associate this particular space only with work. Those working from home should also take at least one walk per day. Even countries that are still on lockdown allow people to leave their homes for necessities or even a short walk or form of exercise.
• Implementing a gratitude practice can also be beneficial. Writing down 5 things you’re grateful for as soon as you wake up and 3 good things that happened that day can help to rewire your brain to focus more on the positive.
• Find time to organize your home. Buy some fresh flowers, make your home feel cozy and get some potted plants. Having something living to take care of on a daily basis, that will also help to filter out indoor air is a beautiful way to feel more grounded and connected with nature.
• Whether you are single, a couple, or a family, try and bring play to your everyday life.
• Schedule time to video chat with your loved ones. Having this support from the people that matter most to you can be transformational in the way you cope with your negative feelings and the continued uncertainties of the pandemic.
• If this time is particularly difficult for you and you’re finding it challenging to cope on your own, it’s important to seek professional help sooner rather than later.

In my practice, I’ve seen first-hand how the pandemic has affected people from all walks of life. As an anxiety counsellor in Vancouver, it’s of genuine importance to me that I help people achieve inner peace and calm in a world that is so chaotic and quickly changing. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me to schedule an appointment and learn more about how I work.