Coronavirus Anxiety

Everywhere that you turn, you hear about the Coronavirus. I wanted to write this blog post to help with Coronavirus anxiety. Most of us are having some level of stress or worry about the spread of the Coronavirus. From running to the store to buy masks, toilet paper, and waters along with cases of Purell. I am a Licensed psychotherapist, not a doctor, so throughout this article, I am going to share direct information from the CDC website (you can check it out here for the latest update info). Along with some youtube videos that can help with managing the anxiety. 

What is Coronavirus?

The CDC states – A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.

Learn more at the CDC website here.

Coronavirus Symptoms 

One of the reasons there is so much anxiety around the Coronavirus is because of the symptoms (or really the lack thereof).

The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms are also symptoms that can be seen in the yearly flu or the common cold. 

Prevention and Treatment

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wearing a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Learn more about treatment and prevention here.

Why are we so anxious about Coronavirus? 

There are many reasons why we, as a society, are so anxious about the Coronavirus. The virus spreads very easily & quickly, is new and thus not something we are used to hearing about. Also, the poor management of some governments has caused the media to sensationalize the spread. Also, because the media is focusing on the death rate of the virus, the news reports, social media posts, and everyone talking about it is creating a sense of fear.  

Check out this youtube video to see how the Coronavirus spreads and looks like other new viruses over the last years, and watch until the end to see how the death rate for this virus compares to common death rates. 

Steps to take to lower your Coronavirus anxiety 

• Follow the CDC guidelines and was your hand. 

• Turn off social media and the news

Along with other media talking about the virus, the News is posting and talking about this, increasing everyone’s fears and anxieties. Mute any news feeds on your social media for the next week. Don’t watch the News. If you want to know the latest check out your local health district website (For those of you in Southern Nevada check out SNHD) or the CDC website to get the newest information. 

• Only listen to experts  

• Check out our blog post on calm breathing and what to do with your anxiety triggers to have other ways to work through anxiety. 

If you usually are anxious and the Coronavirus is creating even more anxiety, it might be time to seek out therapy to work on your anxiety issues. 

To learn more ways to work through anxiety check out our anxiety blog.

If you are anxious about Coronavirus (COVID-19), and would like to start therapy but do are self-quarantining we are offering teletherapy.

Contact us today by calling or texting 702-518-1546, email,  or booking a session by hitting the appointment request button. We can normally get you into a session within 24 or 48 hours.

We offer both online therapy (learn more about online therapy here) and in-person therapy at our Las Vegas office. Our office is located in West Las Vegas right off the 95 & Rainbow. Our address is 222 S. Rainbow Boulevard | Suites 113-114 |Las Vegas NV 89145