How to Cope If Your Pandemic Stress Is Affecting Your Well-Being

The end of COVID-19 may be near, but the residual stress, fear, and uncertainty over the past two years are still impacting many people around the world. It’s been a tumultuous time- even though the worst may be behind us, you may still be struggling to cope.

Pandemic stress may be impacting your well-being. Learn the key signs and how you can cope if you’re struggling.

How Is Pandemic Stress Impacting Individuals and Families?

The pandemic undoubtedly shifted how we think, work, and connect with others. Almost overnight, we were forced to make significant changes in our daily routines. Likewise, we didn’t have all the information and resources necessary to cope.

Indeed, many people felt like we were scrambling to get by. Here are some ways pandemic stress might still be impacting you.

Complicated Grief

COVID-19 was responsible for millions of deaths around the world. Therefore, there’s a good chance that you know someone who died from this virus.

COVID-19 also complicated how we grieved death. Many people were not able to visit their loved ones in their final moments. Likewise, they could not attend traditional funerals or celebration-of-life ceremonies as means of healthy closure.

It’s also important to remember that grief can come in many shapes and forms, and it isn’t always about death. For example, the mother who gave birth in 2020 may be grieving all the newborn and toddler experiences she didn’t have. The student who was forced to attend college online might grieve missing out on his formative university years.

Medical and Safety Concerns

COVID-19 isn’t over, and it’s normal to feel cautious about potential exposure. With most places easing on masks and social distancing restrictions, you might feel a heightened sense of anxiety.

The risks are still real. For example, young children are still not eligible for vaccines. Immunocompromised groups may face virus complications. Likewise, we don’t truly know the full impact of long COVID-19.

These concerns are valid, and they can exacerbate mental health symptoms. If you feel like you can’t optimally protect yourself or your family, you may feel helpless, anxious, or resentful.

Economic Stress

Thousands of businesses shut down temporarily or permanently due to COVID, and research shows that 42% of small business owners are experiencing burnout. In addition, the economy has been incredibly volatile over the past few years, particularly with looming inflation fears.

Economic stress can compound over time. Job burnout can impact everything from your sleep to your mood, but switching careers isn’t always feasible (or even appropriate). Similarly, money concerns can exacerbate depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.

Return-to-Routine Anxiety

Maybe you’ve just started agreeing to certain social invitations. Or, perhaps, you’re heading back into the office for the first time in years.

It’s no secret that many people struggled to adjust to the pandemic restrictions. That said, people are also struggling to cope with returning back to the way things were.

This return-to-routine anxiety can manifest in several ways. You may feel insecure with in-person interactions. Or, you might feel anxious about what social norms, like hugging or shaking hands, are (or aren’t) permissible.

How Can You Cope With Pandemic Stress?

If you identify as having pandemic stress, keep in mind that you’re not alone. Many people feel confused, anxious, or uneasy right now. Here are some steps that may help you feel better.

Limit Excessive Media Consumption

While there’s nothing wrong with staying informed, 24/7 connectivity can leave you feeling helpless and afraid. Likewise, the constant news may trigger you to only focus on the worst-case scenarios.

Instead, try to set limits for yourself. Choose a few trusted sources and only stick to those for checking updates. Set time limits for when and how you engage with the news and try to adhere to those boundaries as best you can.