Many patients I work with, as well as friends and family, are feeling anxious about being exposed to the covid-19 virus and/or inadvertently passing it along to a loved one or stranger who is in a more vulnerable population. In addition to making sure we are following the CDC guidelines on taking necessary precautions biologically to lower the threat to ourselves and others (see below), attending to anxiety may be an important complementary factor in increasing our body’s ability to respond optimally to an immune attack.
The health of the immune system, like other systems in the body, is interconnected with brain health. While illness can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression, this relationship can also work in reverse. That is, when we are healthy, our mood and mindset can also affect our immune function and it’s ability to perform optimally. So in addition to the CDC guidelines we all need to be following, if you are feeling anxious, please consider some possible interventions such as:
- Using relaxation audios found in the “Feel Better Fast” tab
- Using the Killing ANTs exercise to counter negative/catastrophic thinking
- Avoiding caffeine, additives, dyes, artificial and refined sugars that can exacerbate anxiety and eating protein regularly to maintain blood sugar regulation
- Using supplements like GABA Calming, Every Day Stress Relief, l-theanine, and B-vitamins when indicated
- Drinking calming teas such as chamomile, valerian, vanilla, and lavender
- Journaling or drawing to express anxiety
- Talk with friends via videoconferencing to get support
- Use online NAMI discussion groups if needed
- Diaphragmatic breathing exercises
CDC Basic Guidelines
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid unnecessary outings. Maintain distance of 3 ft from others when outside your home.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Let’s all keep each other as safe as we can and offer support to one another whenever possible. We are all in this together.
Wishing you all health in brain and body- Zoe
