Anxiety Symptoms and COVID by Counselor Ashley Koza, LCSW
I would expect that a lot of people are tired of thinking and talking about COVID. It has been two years, things seem to be getting back to “normal”. However, since the start of the pandemic there has been a 25% increase in anxiety and depression (World Health Organization). Women and children have been effected the most. The factors that caused the increase are social isolation, loneliness, feer of infection, suffering and death for oneself and for loved ones, grief, and financial worries. Due to work force shortages, people are ex- hausted, and this increases risk for mental health symptoms. Anxiety symptoms have increased, even leading to increased cases of panic attacks. Here are some symptoms of anxiety that you or a loved one may be experiencing: • Panic, fear, and uneasiness • Feelings of panic, doom, or danger • Sleep problems • Not being able to stay calm and still • Cold, sweaty, numb, or tingling hands or feet • Shortness of breath • Breathing faster and more quickly than normal (hyperventilation) • Heart palpitations These symptoms can be managed through therapy, reaching out to supports and living a healthy lifestyle. Panic attacks can also occur due to increase in stress factors. These are more intense and often is described as having a heart attack or other somatic symptoms. Here are some symptoms of panic attacks: • Pounding or racing heart • Difficulty breathing • Sweating • Weakness or dizziness • Chills • Tingly or numb hands • Trembling • Chest pain If you are struggling you can reach to me at (815)732-3157 to set up an appointment. Crest Foods has a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL EAP counseling service available to employees on Mondays from 12pm - 4pm. Ashley Koza works for Sinnissippi Centers and has been our “onsite” counselor for the past few years.
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