Natural disasters, potential pandemics, war threats, and the political outrage of the day, to name a few, are all things that cause anxiety if you pay even half attention to the news. It's natural to be scared in the face of a terrifying world and a bleak future. It’s completely natural. It becomes a problem only when this anxiety is taking a serious toll on your mental health, and it becomes unmanageable.
The pandemic has wreaked havoc on mental health systems around the world, creating vast gaps in care for those who most need it. People used to search for anxiety therapy for hours, or anxiety therapy in Cincinnati or somewhere in the other part of the world. And, they were unable to do it. Even though the situation has improved significantly by the end of 2021, far too many people are still unable to receive the care and support they require for both pre-existing and newly established mental health issues.
Covid-induced Anxiety:
The most prevalent form of anxiety concerning current world affairs nowadays is covid-induced anxiety. According to a WHO scientific brief, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression soared by a whopping 25% in the first year of the pandemic. Furthermore, the pandemic's social isolation has led to unprecedented stress. People's capacity to work, seek help from loved ones, and participate in their communities was impeded and it led to suicide and self-harming behavior, even exhaustion in healthcare workers.
War-induced Anxiety:
Another major problem nowadays is the disturbing world conditions and the news of people dying everywhere. Especially, the current relations of war between Ukraine and Russia have brought a vast number of mental health issues in people, especially the pre-existing ones. Many people are dealing with the unexpected new world order as the West faces a possible new Cold War. Also, the warnings about heightened nuclear threats flood social media, even if you live thousands of kilometers away from the frontlines in Ukraine.
How to battle anxiety?
Apart from these two major factors, the other contributing factors are also there and you just can't ignore them. They are there, they are normal and you need to cope with them. You can opt for anxiety therapy so it can help you. Otherwise, you can change certain behaviors and it will bring a change for sure.
Change your thought patterns and change the perspective:
No fortune-telling!
The news can often conjure up scary images and thoughts about the future, and it can feel as though these concerns will come true. Distinguish between the fancies of the imagination and reality. When you discover yourself worrying about a fictitious tragedy, return to reality by taking a slow breath in and out and smiling.
Remind yourself that you can cope!
When you're afraid about something that might happen today, visualize yourself dealing with it effectively. Remember how strong you've been in the past when you've risen to the challenge. Expect yourself to apply the same ability and tenacity to today's difficulties.
Choose your actions to unwind the anxiety:
Be with the things that are real!
When you realize you've become engrossed in the latest frightening prognosis, acknowledge it for what it is. A daydream that may or may not come true! Touch something nearby, and allow interaction with the world around you to serve as a touchstone for releasing the grasp of fear.
Turn off the news!
It's probably unrealistic to completely skip the news, but a good rule is to read the news once a day.
Release the tension!
When you notice you're carrying extra tension in your muscles, take a few moments to pause.
ü Take three deep breaths and count to five as you exhale.
ü Inhale as you shrug your shoulders up toward your ears.
ü Slowly exhale as you release all tension from your shoulders, letting them relax and drop.
Repeat this twice more with a soothing breath in and out each time. Finish with three more breaths and pay attention to how you feel.
Final Thoughts:
There’s no question that receiving for therapy in Cincinnati or anxiety therapy anywhere, it will help you a lot. But, you can change your thoughts and actions for better outcomes. Also, you should always be open to uncertainty and focus more on the act of love. Address your anxiety and remind yourself that everything will be OK. It has always been!