When the first COVID-19 case was reported in December 2019, people considered it to be another seasonal condition. However, with the virus spreading its reach to every continent leading to governments imposing short- and long-term lockdowns, people started feeling scared of the virus. Gradually, as the COVID-19 scare emerged as a pandemic, restrictions became stricter, production stopped completely, schools and offices shut down, people lost jobs, finances stretched, and isolation and loneliness crept in leading to widespread stress, fear, and anxiety.
Today, nearly two years have passed since the first case was reported, but the impact of the virus refuses to mitigate. We are still far away from getting back to normal life where we can socialize without stressing much about safety precautions. None of us have realized that such prolonged exposure to stressful conditions can lead to a roller coaster of shock and emotional dysregulation. More and more people are complaining of irritability, an inability to regulate emotions like anger, negative thinking, use of substances, and the development of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Widespread Anxiety and Depression
A new study conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Census Bureau has found that between Aug. 19, 2020, and Feb. 1, 2021, the number of people experiencing anxiety or depression symptoms surged from 36.4 to 41.5 percent. It also confirmed that the rise in cases of mental illnesses was mainly observed in the age group of 18 and 29. Experiencing anxiety as a result of pandemic-related stressors is known as pandemic anxiety.
Remote working and continually living in isolation have made people miserable. They are constantly navigating fears related to COVID-19 and its side effects. If you are also feeling anxious during this pandemic, remember you are not alone! There are many people, who like you, are also experiencing the same feelings of nervousness, restlessness, and uncertainty.
An Anxiety Treatment Program is a great way to get started!
Dealing with anxiety disorders can make anyone feel powerless. The pandemic is an uncertain time which is a hard thing to handle. The feelings of dread and panic can be overwhelming hampering the person’s ability to work, study, and participate in other activities. Getting effective treatment can be a turning point in managing and reducing these symptoms. Since everyone has their own set of challenges in dealing with disorders related to anxiety, different therapies under anxiety treatment programs are required to treat them.
Here are some of the evidence-based therapies included in an anxiety treatment program.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): It is a highly effective, well-established, and lasting treatment that identifies, understands, and brings a change in negative behavior patterns. People have seen a positive response in the period of 12 to 16 weeks after starting treatment.
- Exposure therapy: Exposure therapy is a part of CBT that reduces fear and anxiety responses in patients by exposing them to a fearful situation or object under a controlled environment. People nowadays have developed a fear of social anxiety. Therefore, it gradually strengthens their response to overcome this fear as well.
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): This therapy works best to deal with pandemic situations as it develops a sense of acceptance and mindfulness by teaching people to live in the present. During the treatment, they usually develop commitment and desired behavior to cope with negative feelings, thoughts, and sensations.
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT): It is supportive psychotherapy that combines other therapies to give the best of every therapy. Anyone can encounter mental illness in this uncertain time. This therapy works best in dealing with depressive thoughts in adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Manage Anxiety with a Comprehensive Treatment Program
Times are hard, but you have to be harder than that. Recovery is possible by getting timely and appropriate treatment. Don’t think twice before reaching the feasible and promising rehabilitation centers in India. Professional help can bring a positive change in your life. With effective therapeutic measures that include medication and behavioral therapies at Athena, you can overcome pandemic anxiety. Reach us at our 24/7 toll-free number 9289086193 or chat online with our representatives to know more about our anxiety treatment programs. Life-long recovery starts with choosing the right facility.
