Coping with Covid Induced Stress 

Dr.Priyanka Trivedi, 5 mins read

Covid-19 and its many variants now seem to have been around for as long as people can remember. It’s a daily reality and stress from it, due to it, and because of it is completely real, and it is shared by billions across the world today. Across human history, pandemics have claimed the lives of more than 500 million people, with plagues, influenza, Spanish flue and others decimating populations in their own time. 

Covid-19 is the latest epidemic humanity is facing and despite the fact that medicine and technology available today is better than it has ever been, millions have died of it, and with millions more contracting it. Apart from the tragic and exponential death toll, the pandemic has caused immense psychological, emotional, physical, and economic damage. However, we know that we humans do one thing quite well; we survive and even in the midst of these hard times, we have an opportunity to share and learn from each other’s experiences, to be stronger and better prepared, to seek help and help those who need it. 

A lot of research on measuring the stress and trauma caused by Covid-19 has emerged, finding that the pandemic has already caused a range of mental health problems en masse, with anxiety, depression, PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), or a Post-COVID stress disorder, and other stress and trauma-related disorders. Many research volunteers were found to have adequately met the criteria for being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of the pandemic. This includes everyone- those who were infected and suffered serious COVID-19 complications, those who faced near death experiences; those who witnessed family members and loved ones suffering, most of all the health care workers, whose colleagues  gave up their own lives to save others, distant relatives whose family members passed away without notice, death of a family member or a friend due to the virus, journalists who reported from the frontlines, first responders who fought tooth and nail to save lives, medical examiners who needed to do the needful, and each and every single hospital personnel in every hospital and clinic in the world: it is safe to say that everyone was affected by Covid-19. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a lasting effect on our lives, with so many of us facing multiple challenges, all of which are stressful, and surely overwhelming, for both adults and children. Even the necessary act of social distancing, can make us feel far off, isolated and alone, increasing depression, stress and anxiety. 

Learning how to relieve stress from covid in a healthy can help you and those around you better deal with stress related to covid-19.

Can stress cause covid symptoms?

Stress and anxiety during a pandemic can worsen any mental health conditions that already exist for people, who will naturally be concerned for their own health and the health of their loved ones. This anxiety can materialise in the form of physical symptoms, with some of them being similar to those of  COVID-19. It can also cause fear, anger, sadness, worry, or frustration. People have also experienced loss of appetite, drop in energy and desires, and seemingly have nothing to interest them any more. There can also be difficulty in concentrating and making clear decisions; sleeping issues and headaches, body aches; stomach upsets and skin rashes. Pre-existing chronic health problems can worsen and people might find themselves using more tobacco, or substances, or drinking more alcohol. 

It is natural to feel stress, anxiety, grief, and worry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Below are ways that you can help yourself, others, and your community manage stress.

Coping with covid induced stress

Realising you may be stressed is important, because you know you need to do something about it now. 

Our experts have a few tips on how to relieve stress from covid for you- 

• Too much information on COVID can be overwhelming and stressful, take a break for a week or so from the news, papers, internet, social media etc. Instead try and read a book you’ve been wanting to, watch movies you’ve missed and go for nice music that you’ve always enjoyed. If you don’t want to miss out on the news altogether, then try and limit news to a couple of times a day and in between make sure to stay away from sources like your phone, television or computer screens. 

• Relax if you find yourself fretting, close your eyes and focus on your breathing, take deep breaths, stretch your body and focus on your body for a few minutes. You can also try meditation or yoga and combine both of them for maximum effect; these exercises are more effective when done during the morning. Eat a healthy and balanced diet, rich in antioxidants, and vitamins, low on junk food.

• Keep safe and follow the usual preventive measures like getting vaccinated, health screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.

You can also get in touch with us to connect with skilled and trained counselors who can help you further.