LOCKDOWN AND NEWS IS MAKING ME SO ANXIOUS

Dear Coleen

I’m a married woman in my 30s with a daughter and I’ve been feeling very anxious lately. I’m struggling with what’s going on in the world and, despite coping quite well in lockdown, I’m feeling worse than ever about everything.

I feel like there’s no end to the situation and not seeing friends nor family as much as I used to has really affected me.

I’m also obsessed by reading all the depressing news, which only makes me feel worse. I’d love your opinion, as I don’t know how to lift myself out of the panic.

Coleen says

Firstly, I’m sure many people are feeling the same, especially with the new six-person rule when it comes to socialising.

Just as we thought things were returning to a kind of normality, there are more rules to keep us apart from friends and loved ones.

I’m not an anxious person usually, but even I’ve felt anxious over this time.

Stop reading the news if it’s affecting you this much – dip in occasionally or ask your husband to keep you up to date with anything important. I think social media can have the same effect, so have a break from that, too.

Next, I think you have to find other things to distract yourself with and to help you relax. That might be yoga, running, walking, meditation, crafts – anything that takes you out of yourself and provides moments where you just think about what you’re doing.

It’s important to look after our mental health right now – self-care has never been more crucial, so make yourself a priority.