7 causes of anxiety in times of COVID-19

A useful selection to know the main sources of anxiety that can appear during the COVID-19 crisis.

Facing a new and threatening situation such as a pandemic can be a real challenge with implications for our physical and mental health as individuals, as well as for those around us. around.

The truth is that the coronavirus pandemic has been for many people a generator of anxiety and stress, and this anxiety has had and continues to have not only one, but many causes.

Some people have coped better than others with the stressful effects of the pandemic, but in any case, Living in times of COVID-19 is, for many people, synonymous with frequent worries, anxiety-generating situations, the need to adopt new life habits and the establishment of new social norms.

• Related article: "The 7 types of anxiety (characteristics, causes and symptoms)"

Causes of anxiety in times of the coronavirus pandemic

The essential characteristics of each source of anxiety in times of COVID-19 are summarized here.

1. Fear of contagion

Fear of contagion itself is one of the main fears during a prolonged period of pandemic. Constant concern about the possible spread of the virusEither by the fact of contracting it ourselves by touching objects or because someone infects us, it is the main cause of anxiety in the context of this health and social crisis.

Being aware of the dangers of the disease is a responsible attitude towards the pandemic; However, maintaining an exaggerated level of alarm and concern about contagion throughout the day can end up causing states of sustained anxiety that in the long run tend to cause psychological wear and tear and even physical.

Therefore, it is advisable to maintain daily hygiene and safety protocols, with total firmness and tranquility, trusting at all times that with these measures we We find the optimal balance between minimizing the risk of contagion and emotionally healthy lifestyles, without allowing panic, hysteria or anxiety to dominate.

2. Fear of losing your job

The coronavirus crisis has had devastating consequences for both the global economy and the jobs of many families around the planet. Millions of people have lost their jobs and many more live each day in fear of losing it. a cause of anxiety that adds to the already worrying health situation.

This conjunction between the threat of the virus and the uncertainty of all those people who do not know if they will keep their jobs tomorrow they generate notable states of anxiety and fear for the future, which undoubtedly affect the day-to-day life of the person.

In those who have a dependent family, the possible loss of employment is a This is an even more worrying perspective, since the support of their children or others depends on their salaries. relatives. In cases like this, the key is in how that anxiety is managed, since many times, it becomes part of the problem and hinders the adoption of measures to adapt to the new situation in the best way possible.

• You may be interested in: "What are the psychological effects of unemployment?"

3. Contagion from a loved one

In the same way that the contagion itself worries, during a pandemic, our concerns also carry over, even more so, to the health of family and friends, especially that of the most intimate and those who have a greater vulnerability to respiratory diseases, in this case.

The moment a relative, especially if he belongs to the population at risk of contagion, contracts the virus, the worry and anxiety about his condition become intense and constant; our mind explores different hypothetical situations to try to anticipate events.

A sustained high level of worry and stress can also be a great source of anxiety. that, in times of pandemic, can affect the health of the person and also their proper functioning in their day to day day.

4. Bad news too much

A repeated exposure, for a short period, to a systematic barrage of bad news in the media, it can also cause anxiety in anyone and even affect their emotional health in a more intense way.

The excessive coverage carried out by the media about the COVID-19 pandemic, together with the different waves of infections that have been happening, make it possible that this disease is the main topic of every day in all areas of life, which can become physically and mentally saturated for many people.

5. Anxiety about lack of social contact

Confinement and patterns of physical and social distancing have been the usual trend in the first months of the pandemic.

These norms of behavior have been installed in our society for an indefinite period, and in addition to having an evident impact on customs and social conventions, they can also negatively affect the mental health of a large part of the population.

And it is that, the lack of physical contact with others, not being able to see our loved ones during confinement and long periods of teleworking alone at home, can cause states of anxiety and even pictures of depression in cases concrete.

6. Anxiety about the economic and social situation

As mentioned, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastated our society at the health level, but also in the economic and social spheres.

This fact has caused, in many cases, the anguish caused by the global health crisis to mix with concern about the general economic situation and for the transformation that this can entail for a country, which results in a cocktail of suffering and desolation that generates states of anxiety, frustration or stress in the general population, especially in the most humble.

7. Change in lifestyle

All the factors described above can significantly influence a person's daily functioning and cause changes or difficulties in maintaining the same guidelines and habits of life that were carried out before the pandemic. These changes, in turn, can also be a source of anxiety and discomfort in a person's life.

Some of the areas in which anxiety in times of COVID-19 can modify habitual behavior patterns are difficulties falling asleep or changes in sleep patterns, changes in eating, difficulties in concentrating on tasks or increased health problems to deal with.

Are you interested in going to psychotherapy?

In times of pandemic crisis, it is normal to need professional psychological help so that our day to day does not overwhelm us. If you think that you are going through a bad time or even that you may be developing a psychological disorder, I invite you to get in touch with our team; on PSiCOBAi We will assist you and help you from the most effective forms of psychotherapeutic intervention adapted to your case.