As the ongoing pandemic continues to spread further, everything has changed, and people are learning the ‘new normal life. The stress levels and sale of anti-anxiety medicines have drastically increased over the last year, ever since the pandemic began. Now is the best time to work on yourself, especially on those stress levels, and let go of all these things you can’t control.
Is Pandemic Stress a Real Thing?
Stress is not a disease but a sign that something is going wrong. It’s a natural response of the sympathetic nervous system as a “fight or flight” mode during a stressful or dangerous situation. But taking medicine every day is not recommended, especially when it’s a benzodiazepine.
Pandemic stress is a real phenomenon that has affected many people during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The term refers to the emotional, psychological, and behavioral responses to the outbreak of a highly contagious disease and the measures taken to control its spread.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruptions to daily life, including job loss, economic uncertainty, and social isolation. Additionally, it has caused fear and anxiety about contracting the virus, as well as concern for the health and well-being of loved ones. These stressors, along with the prolonged nature of the pandemic, can lead to a range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse.
It’s also worth mentioning that people with pre-existing mental health conditions may be at a higher risk of experiencing pandemic stress. Additionally, certain groups of people, such as healthcare workers, essential workers, and individuals who have experienced loss or trauma related to the pandemic, may be at a higher risk of experiencing stress and other mental health issues.
It’s important to note that it’s normal to experience some level of stress during a pandemic. However, it’s essential to take care of one’s mental health and well-being during this time by practicing self-care, staying connected with loved ones, and seeking professional help if needed. Fortunately, there are many other things that may help, some of which are discussed next.
How to Relieve Pandemic Anxiety?
Here are a few ways to get over coronavirus stress.
- Get rest
The anxiety may make you stick to the TV, hoping to find new information or news regarding a pandemic but ignoring sleep is most likely to make you sick. Getting plentiful hours of sleep may help to manage stress better.
- Start exercising
exercise reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and increases endorphins (mood-enhancing hormone). While following social distancing, it is better to involve yourself in any form of exercise. It will help you relax and keep you fit and active, and you may not need to look for a Xanax supplier anymore.
- Improve diet
Stress often affects your eating habits, and many people tend to eat unhealthy food when they are anxious.
- Restrict alcohol
Alcohol sometimes feels like a relief from stress, but it makes stress and sleeping more difficult. Not many people know, but alcohol is a depressant that may also negatively affect your physical health.
- Get help
The Pandemic doesn’t fully restrict you from meeting your loved ones; these social distancing and gathering restrictions are just to keep you and your friends/family safe from the virus. You can still contact them through audio or video calls. Don’t forget to share your feelings and talk about anything that may help you feel better about yourself.
Practicing relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
Staying Informed
Keep yourself informed about the latest developments related to the pandemic, but avoid excessive exposure to news and social media. It’s important to find a balance and not to get overwhelmed by the constant stream of information.
Connecting with others
Maintaining social connections is important, even during a pandemic. Reach out to friends and family through phone calls, video chats, or social media. Joining online support groups or forums can also provide a sense of community and connection.
Engaging in regular physical activity
Physical activity releases endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Regular exercise can improve mood, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Getting enough sleep
Adequate sleep is important for maintaining physical and mental health. Establishing a regular sleep routine, avoiding screens for at least an hour before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment can help improve sleep quality.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience of pandemic anxiety may be different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s also crucial to be kind to yourself and to remember that it is normal to have emotional reactions to a public health crisis.
Can Medicines Help?
If the stress episodes are recurring and the techniques mentioned above fail to help, try using anxiety management medicine. But before taking any medicine, it is necessary to look for all available medicines, i.e., SSRIs, SNRIs, antidepressants, and benzos. Self-evaluation is also needed to understand if this stress is linked with the pandemic alone or if it has other sources too.
Medications can be used as part of a treatment plan for anxiety related to the pandemic or other stressors. Some common types of medications that are used to treat anxiety include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs): These medications, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta), also work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, but they affect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Benzodiazepines: These medications, such as lorazepam (Ativan) and alprazolam (Xanax), work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
It’s important to note that medications should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, as they may have side effects and may not be appropriate for everyone. They should be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy and self-care practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle changes.
In case it has multiple sources, addressing them one by one is an ideal way to deal with them.
You may also try a stress-relieving supplement (melatonin) or buy Xanax bars online; either way, self-evaluation is mandatory. It’s also important to keep in mind that medications may not work for everyone, and different medications may work better for different people. A healthcare professional can help determine the best course of treatment for an individual, based on their specific needs and medical history.
Most medicines, such as benzos, are only a short-termed treatment, and taking them for a very long time is not recommended.
