The Anxiety Meditation 
The year 2020 was a stressful year for the whole world. The novel Coronavirus took the world by storm, completely redefining what the world’s normal is.
With all the measures put in place to prevent the massive loss of lives, the worldwide death toll still reached 1.8 million and counting, putting many in anxious positions,
In order to keep their citizens safe, countries all over the world are going into a new lockdown to prevent the hard effects of the virus.
A lockdown is very necessary to enforce social distancing measure, keeping the most vulnerable people safe from impending illness or death
A study conducted during the first lockdown showed that only in the first week of the lockdown, there was a 2% increase in the rate of suicidal thoughts (from 8%-10%) amongst young adults (between the ages of 18 and 29).
While it looks like a small increase, it happened only within a week. As the first lockdown went further, 83% of young adults with mental needs stated that the lockdown made their condition feel worse.
Children were not left out; there was a spike in behavioural and emotional issues amongst them.
The new lockdown is not likely to be different: It is not improbable to say that there will be several mental health consequences, first for the whole population and then for specific vulnerable demographics.
The range of possible effects may include (but are not limited to) depression, boredom, PTSD, suicidal and addictive behaviours, sleep deprivation, stress, loneliness, domestic violence and social isolation.
These signs, which were already a major trend during the first lockdown are likely to be heightened and more widespread.
Here are some tips on how to prevent a mental overwhelm during the new lockdown
- Look up only reliable news outlet/resources and avoid speculations
A huge way to fuel anxiety is to listen to/read up on mere rumour or speculation. Ensure that you only pay attention to well-reported, true information throughout the lockdown to keep your mind at peace. This will help you feel more in control.
- Stay Connected to friends and loved ones
With the gift of technology and social media, we can constantly keep in touch with the people we love even if we don’t get to see them as often as we want to or at all.
If you feel overwhelmed, contact a family member or a friend by email, telephone or social media and if you feel it is severe or too much to handle, dial the emergency number and speak to a professional.
- Perform stress management techniques
Stress is a strong feeling of being under abnormal emotional or physical pressure. The pressure might be as a result of an argument with relatives, financial crises, increased workload etc. and it is important to manage it effectively.
The first thing to do is realize what may be causing the problem, look out for physical signs such as tiredness, tense muscles, or migraines, making sure you draw a connection between your feelings and the pressure you may be under.
Next, identify what may be causing the stress. Release worry for the things that have immediate practical solutions and decide to give yourself time for the things that don’t.
Lastly, review your lifestyle. Ask yourself if you’re taking on too much, if you can do things in a more leisurely way, or if you can delegate some of your tasks.
You should also eat healthier and exercise more often. Mindful journaling and meditation are also very helpful. Set apart personal time from all the hassle of living through a global pandemic.
Wrap up
While it may be true that a new lockdown will have severe effects mental health effects, you can manage it properly, and even come out at the end of the lockdown a healthier person.
Just make sure you stay in contact with the people you love, read only reliable news and articles, and perform stress management techniques regularly. It may be hard, but we would get through this and come out stronger.
