With the onset of the pandemic, overall prevalence rates for anxiety are slightly higher than data pre-pandemic, as people adapt to a life with COVID. The high levels of stress experienced contribute to an increase in mental health challenges. They include social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), agoraphobia and generalized anxiety.
There are multiple reasons why the pandemic has led to an increase of anxiety: financial strain, lack of socialization, isolation, loneliness, sense of being out of control, uncertainty of the pandemic and even the new normal.
Anxieties may seem overwhelming, so ensure that you seek support and set boundaries. Give yourself time to adjust and start with what is comfortable. Create and stick to a familiar routine. However, suppose you face severe difficulty managing their anxiety and feel it affects your relationships and daily functioning. In that case, it will help to explore if there are other underlying issues.
As we move towards the endemic, there will be anxiety about adjusting to the new normal. If you or a loved one is constantly battling with anxiety, please seek support from a professional counsellor or psychotherapist to explore ways to manage the mental health challenges.