Its hard to knowwhat should you really worry about, and how should you manage your concern?
It is important to assess risks and reality as we hear about new threats.
and What aspects of this can I control and how?
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We need to be vigilant in the face of true risks that need attention.
But with an endless barrage of things to worry about, people are tired of being cautious.
So what does healthy worry looks like, and how does constant worry impact your mind and body?
What steps can you take to move beyondcaution fatigue?
When Worry Goes from Good to Bad
Worryingusually has a negative connotation.
However, research shows that worry can be beneficial in some instances.
It can serve as a motivator, to help someone take appropriate action.
Worry, just as all types ofanxiety, is normal, natural, and protective.
Worry thoughts make us vigilant and help us stay safe.
Without worry or anxiety we would engage in unsafe behavior and likely not survive, says Dr. Lopez.
Taking caution allowed important measures to be put in place.
Heres the rubinfectious diseases are a real phenomenon.
Caution around the spread and treatment of COVID-19 is not only necessary; its lifesaving.
The problem comes in, however, when worry becomes paralyzing.
Anything is harmful when it stops you from functioning.
Really simple black and white.
If the person is just withdrawing from life, that is not good.
You need help right away, says Dr. Mendez.
Overwhelming stress also interferes with the ability to handle stressors in the future.
It can increase anxiety; it can increase a sense of powerlessness [or] hopelessness.
The emotional capacity is not as receptive, [and] it distorts our thoughts, Dr. Mendez says.
You cant control a viral outbreak.
But you’re able to control your reaction to the stressful situation that it is creating.
Experts say turning off the news for a while can be helpful.
But it doesnt deal with the issue long-term.
You have to implement strategies to regulate your stress levels.
That time of respite can mean returning to basic mental health andself-care practices.
This is the foundation that helps our nervous system function well, Dr. Lopez explains.
Engaging inrelaxation skillsdaily (yoga, meditation, breathing skills, muscle relaxation, etc.)
is [also] crucial in down-regulating ournervous system, she adds.
Seeking helpfrom a mental health professional can also make a significant difference.
Its important that everybody learn about the importance of lowering stress levels.
Its much better to handle tough topics at rest, Dr. Merrill concludes.
Theres a lot of complex issues and problems and we cant get there unless cooler heads prevail.
People either double down in their fear or cast off restraint.
Experts say the key is working to find a healthy balance between staying informed and not being overwhelmed.
And above all, continue to take care of your mental and physical health.
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Sweeny K, Dooley MD.The surprising upsides of worry.Soc Personal Psychol Compass.
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World Health Organization.COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide.
Meade J.Mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents.Pediatr Clin North Am.
