How to deal with stress and anxiety during pandemic

By Sophie Gray

Local Journalism Initiative

If you are suffering anxiety and stress during the pandemic, you are not alone.

In fact, you can take heart because there are ways to address the problem as outlined in a virtual Zoom workshop on mental health strategies in Osoyoos on Tuesday.

Hosted by Tracey Hawthorne, a consultant with the Canadian Mental Health Association, the workshop went over how to manage your own mental health while also caring for others during this tough time.

Hawthorne explained what might trigger anxiety and stress during the pandemic, such as fear of contracting the virus and passing it on to other individuals or putting stress on yourself to be productive at all times while at home.

Tools were given for how to navigate these stress or anxiety triggers. One of the major tools was to make sure you are taking care of yourself before tending to the care of others. Hawthorne used the example of an oxygen mask on an airplane to describe this, when you are told to place a mask over your own face before helping others with theirs.

The workshop also emphasized focussing on what you can control versus what you can not. Hawthorne said there are many stories of people increasing their stress and anxiety by focussing on what others are doing or not doing, and whether or not they are following the recommended guidelines or not. This, she said, is something that is out of your control and will only increase your anxiety and stress levels, so it is important to recognize the limit of your control.

Mindfulness activities and breathing exercises were recommended to help ease any anxiety and stress that may arise. Taking a break from news and staying connected with friends and family over email, phone calls, or social media platforms can be useful to ease your mind during this troubling time.

There are many resources available if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, including B.C.’s mental health support line at 310-6789, the 211 phone line for seniors, or the Bounce Back program’s website.