Coping With Anxiety in a Pandemic

by Dr. Gina Madrigrano | Apr 28, 2020 | Parenting, Self care, wellness

🌿Hello everyone,

As we head into week 7 and I’m talking to more and more people online and offline, I am noticing we are all struggling with similar things.

Not knowing how long this will last can be unsettling and finding a rhythm that works is still a work in progress. We are still trying to navigate this new normal and figuring things out. 

Due to the pandemic and related stressors, I have been focussing on helping as many people as I can. 

These times are difficult for all of us and the social distancing is taking its toll on people. Parents are getting overwhelmed with having to work from home and homeschool, not being able to see loved ones or friends increases the sense of isolation, the complicated task of having to disinfect everything you buy can become burdensome, the lack of income is quite stressful as well… the list can go on and on. 

People are reporting a variety of difficulties in coping with COVID19, such as fear and incessant worry, being angry or irritable, sleep problems, difficulty focussing and concentrating, being indecisive, increase consumption of substances compared to their usual intake, more conflict within the home. 

I’ve heard comments like “I’m going nuts”, 😜 “This is insane”, “I’m losing it”, “My spouse and I are fighting all the time”, “I’m scared my parents will get sick”, “What if I get sick, who will take care of my kids?”….

There is no miraculous solution for this but apply some of the following strategies : 

• stay active,
• stay connected with friends and loved ones,
• reconnect with your body,
• practice self-care on a daily basis,
• make time for yourself,
• ask for help if you need it,
• accept the situation for what it is and the feelings that arise,
• focus on what you can control,
• try to stay present as best as you can and remember that this will not last forever,
• do all that you can to stay healthy,
• minimize self-imposed stress,
• accept that your normal way of functioning/living has to change,
• it’s okay not to be productive all the time (these are stressful times,
• you may need to rest more and take more breaks and do less),
• make time for yourself,
• create a realistic routine,
• go on a news diet,
• monitor your intake of substances

My psychology and coaching practices mainly focus on parenting, anxiety, stress management and coping with life transitions, such as what we are going through right now. So, if any of you were hesitating to reach out, please do not hesitate. I am here for you. I’m just a call  ☎️ or an email away. All sessions are via video in the comfort of your home, your car or the park 🙂

If you are not sure about working one-on-one, I have also created with a friend an online course to support you through the pandemic. We have set the price really low until May 15th in order to reach as many people as we can (ONLY $35). We know many people have been hit hard financially and cannot afford to hire a psychologist or a life coach.

This was our way to give back and contribute. 👐

🍃The course has 8 video lessons that cover topics such as coping with anxiety, parenting, helping kids out, dealing with uncertainty and fear, how to deal with the lack of control in this situation,  how to best support your children through all this, and so much more.  The videos have 4 hours of content and many FREE Bonuses, including guided meditations for children and adults and more free talks.

Have a look, at the course outline (with a 13-minute video) and our FREE webinar.

I have no doubt that many of you will find very helpful tips in this course. You can even offer it as a gift to someone you care for.  

So, that’s it for now. Stay safe everyone, practice social distancing but keep in touch with loved ones.  I am leaving you with this quote:

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

Vivian Greene

Wishing you all ✨to stay safe and healthy ✨!

With gratitude,   🌿

Dr. Gina

P.S.: One final thing: 

Those who know me, know that I aim to serve, so please submit any suggestions of content you would love to see in my membership site or in my newsletter.

• Join this community if you need support. It is a positive community that I and a friend, Richard Robins, a wonderful social worker, lead. Ottawa’s Pandemic Mental Health Support Group is on Facebook. 
• A resource book for parents that I keep updating. Parents Resources Booklet