Don’t catastrophize? Seriously? Surviving the global anxiety caused by COVID-19
Don’t catastrophize? Seriously? Surviving the global anxiety caused by COVID-19
By James E. “Jed” Foster, Jr., MA, LMFT
It’s pretty tough to look for the silver lining when a virus attacks the globe. I’ve got a certification in positive psychology and have been focused on this sort of “positive spotting” for years…yet this is something different. The novel coronavirus has raised the baseline of anxiety globally. It’s a nightmare, indiscriminately ripping through us with astonishing speed. What’s a therapist to do? Whip out some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and tell you to “quit catastrophizing” and check the facts? Well, unfortunately the facts happen to be catastrophic. So, what should you do?
Every session I’ve had in the last 20-plus days has been at least partially focused on the current crisis. Anxiety? You bet. Many of you are crystal clear on the fact that anxiety plays a part in your GI symptoms. What is one supposed to do when the rest of the world is suddenly blanketed in anxiety? First, let’s try to find a few positives. They’re going to vary tremendously from person to person; but I can tell you that the anxious, the OCD, the germaphobes, the self-labeled “clean freaks,” and the preppers can all unite (and have) in saying, “See! I told you so!!!” It’s become clear to me that there is an “exhale” amongst the anxious now that billions are now feeling anxiety. The anxious are saying, “welcome to my life,” and they’re right.
So now that we’re all anxious, what are we to do? I found this article recently and think it is a great place to start. In it, you’ll find 7 strategies for coping with anxiety in the midst of this, the most anxious-ridden time of most of our lives.
The Conversation: 7 science-based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety
And as far as positive spotting…well one of the “positives” brought about by this pandemic is that access to medical and behavioral health has rightfully become easier. I’m stuck at home just like you are. Thankfully, insurance companies quickly understood that covering televisits (internet video and phone sessions) is an absolute necessity. Thankfully, our registered dietitian, nurse practitioner, Dr. Troy, and I are available and ready to meet you in cyberspace or on the phone during this period of “lockdown.” Please give us a call. We’re here for you. Call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com. TELEMEDICINE APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE AND COVERED BY INSURANCE!