Life with a disability is hard enough. Whether the disability can be seen or is invisible to others, it can be difficult to navigate life with a disability. It can be even more difficult given the state of the global pandemic. With the state of the world, people have gone from fall risks to high risk. Now there is a new danger outside of your door in a world full of other equally important dangers.

The lifting of mask mandates is a bit like shaking up a snow globe. We spent so many years waiting for each snowflake to fall into place after the chaotic blizzard of 2020. And now that we may finally feel settled, we finally feel safe. Here comes life again to shake up the snow globe. So how do we cope with this change? With this fear?

Well, I think it starts with realizing your role in all of this. The mask mandate said that you were required to wear a mask, not having a mandate doesn't make it illegal to wear a mask. You have just as much right to wear your mask as you do the t-shirt on your body and the shoes on your feet. It is your safety, it is your life, you have a right to protect it. Do what you need to do, do what you want to do. Remember that you can always say no, you can always look out for yourself even if it makes people upset. If you are uncomfortable in social outings, say no. The no doesn't have to be " no and" or " no but" no is a complete sentence. You don't owe anyone an explanation. It is your story to tell, it is your reason to give, not theirs to demand and not theirs to take. If you feel worried or scared or anxious, take some time for yourself, do something you enjoy, turn off the news, have your favorite meal, and take a deep breath. No one would blame you for feeling worried and no one should. This is your journey, this is your life, and the pandemic is a set of uncomfortably difficult chapters in your book. But just as there have been chapters before, there will be chapters after. It can be easy to lose sight of a hopeful future given the state of the world, but hope is out there it may take some work to find it. It may take even more work to hold but it is there.

If you or a loved one are struggling with anxiety or worry around the pandemic in the lifting of mask mandates. We are here to help. Our therapists here can help you cope with worry and teach you how to handle that fear. Schedule your first session with us today.

First, I want to validate your experience. You are experiencing anxiety from a real threat, not a perceived threat. Mask mandates have lifted, and depending on where you live, transmission may be moderate to high, while variant BA.2. is on the rise. While we can wish the pandemic was handled differently, it is ultimately out of our control. Therefore, it is important that you stay focused on what IS in your control. You still have plenty of options to keep yourself safe!

What can you do?

Stay up to date on vaccination and boosters: immunocompromised people are currently approved for a 2nd booster. Go get that booster!

Continue wearing your N95/KN95 masks, or respirator, when you are around people outside of your household. If someone gives you side-eye, just ignore them, keep that mask on and stay safe!

Have a plan for rapid and PCR testing: ask people to take a rapid test before unmasking indoors with them.

Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities that are risky and could expose you.

Keep that distance! Continue to stay 6ft away from people in public when you can.

Keep the time short! Remember that time spent in risky situations increases chances of exposure. Doing something risky for 90 minutes is riskier than doing it for 9 minutes.

Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a good candidate for monoclonal antibodies or oral antivirals.

The past two years have been incredibly challenging, and it is just as important to take care of your mental health, as it is to keep yourself safe. Here are some tips to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and manage stress:

·Find your community and engage at your comfort level. Whether that is on Zoom, an outdoor gathering, or indoors with trusted friends; you get to decide what feels right for you. Figure out what you are comfortable with and then make regular time to be in community. We are social creatures! We need connection! Don’t stay completely isolated!

Practice self-care! Do things that will benefit you in the long run, even if you don’t feel like it right now. Spend time outdoors daily. Move your body in a way the feels good for you. Eat foods you enjoy and make you feel nourished. Make time to take care of yourself!

Find joy! Try thinking of things that fill your spirit, feel pleasant, and are enjoyable. Make sure these things are in your life! Notice that warm sun radiating on your cheek, really taste that sweet rich decadent chocolate, be aware of how good it feels to laugh with friends. It doesn’t need to be BIG JOY, small doses of daily joy throughout the day very impactful. If you can’t think of the last time you felt joy, schedule time for it, and be mindful of how it feels to experience it.

Practice Gratitude. It is easy to forget the things we are grateful when we are suffering with low mood and anxiety. Think of three things daily that you are grateful for!

Strengthen Coping Skills: Practice breath work, mindfulness, and guided meditations.

Click here to learn specific exercises to help relieve anxiety. https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/blog/specific-exercises-to-help-relieve-anxiety-by-connor-cohen-lmsw You can also download this free app that was created to help support self-care and overall mental health during the pandemic: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/COVID_coach_app.asp

Reach out for professional help if you need more support during this time! Niyyah Counseling has several therapists ready to help support you. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today! https://www.niyyahcounselingpllc.com/our-team