It definitely seems like we can’t get enough of talking about Covid-19…right? More than two years into the pandemic, there are just not enough studies, headlines, or changing regulations that have not caught our attention recently. How can we stay grounded despite all of the chaos, though? Arguably so, it does seem never-ending, but there are lots of tips and tricks you can keep in mind to stay grounded and avoid the emotions that come along with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation. Read on to consider a few things which may be helpful for you to recognize when sorting through fear mongering headlines that take studies out of context.
Be cautious. At the end of the day, what is the purpose of headlines which make your heart drop? To do just that - instill anxiety and fear among society in order to take action. No joke, news outlets and studies can indeed be very helpful, but they often are catered to cause increased, heightened emotions because that’s how they thrive. Do your best to avoid these headlines whenever you can and whenever possible, because the more you invest in reading about them, having certain feelings about them, and worrying about the future, the more it will impact your mental health.
Do your research. Say that you do come across a headline which has caused you to lose sleep or resulted in an anxiety-driven response - what to do now? Try to research the study which is referenced to in particular. Oftentimes, the sample size (meaning the number of individuals involved in the study) or the method of conducting the research could be skewed - the headlines won’t tell you that! For example, a study done on 20 individuals cannot represent all of society - yes, those 20 individuals come from varying walks of life, backgrounds, and each has a unique story, but that doesn’t justify using it to instill fear in readers. Again, keep in mind that headlines are meant to instill fear and worry amongst society, and any discrepancies in research will NOT be highlighted at all whatsoever. Doing your part to make sure that the study is accurate, viable, and checking to see if there are any nuances in research will help you come to terms with realizing the inaccuracy portrayed in the media.
Stay grounded. Use grounding strategies to keep yourself together, especially after reading a particular article which may have triggered you. Whether that means practicing deep breathing, using the five senses exercise (five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can touch, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste), or counting backwards from 100 by 7s, utilizing a grounding technique will help bring you back to the present. If you need further suggestions or ideas on how to practice grounding, check out this link to some helpful resources.
With the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health professionals have seen an influx of symptoms arising and the need for services to increase substantially. If you are interested in reading more about Covid-19 on our website, we have an established blog writing team which you can refer to and check out further posts. Nonetheless, if you feel that you are in need of further support or mental health services, contact us to find out more about our experienced therapists who can guide you and be your bridge to wellness.