Validating Feelings of Fear During COVID-19

With new findings and information about the coronavirus coming out nearly every day, many individuals have reported an increase in feelings of stress and anxiety.

In August 2020, the CDC released a report in which 40.9% of respondents noted at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (30.9%). Of those aged 18–24, 74.9% reported at least one adverse health or behavioral symptom since the onset of the pandemic.

Vassell G. Ogilvie, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder and CEO of Hudson Valley Dynamic Counseling, said one of his patients, a student at New York University, has struggled with anxiety regarding how the pandemic will affect his readiness in the professional world.

Another of Ogilvie’s patients, an adolescent boy, has developed a great deal of social anxiety, fearful that his interactions with others could lead him to getting the virus and becoming seriously ill.

“Some anxieties that people experience are legitimate fears,” said Ogilvie. What’s important, he remarked, is that those fears and anxieties are not dismissed, but rather validated.

“I tell [my patients] they have to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves — the social distancing, the washing of hands, the [following of guidelines on] gatherings, all of the things [the scientific community] has been telling us, I encourage all of that,” Ogilvie said.

Ogilvie also promotes the idea of taking care of physical health as a coping mechanism for battles with mental health — especially during these unprecedented times.

“Part of [dealing with] this whole COVID-19 thing is eating healthy, exercising, building our immune system, getting enough Zinc, Calcium, Vitamin D3, all of these things are a recommended part of therapy because our physical health is important too,” Ogilvie shared.

An article published by Harvard Medical School recognizes there is still much researchers do not know about the correlation between immune function and lifestyle, but acknowledges, “the immune system is precisely that — a system, not a single entity. To function well, it requires balance and harmony.”

Harvard Health Publishing recommends several ways to strengthen the immune system:

• Don’t smoke.
• Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.
• Try to minimize stress.
• Keep current with all recommended vaccines. Vaccines prime your immune system to fight off infections before they take hold in your body.

COVID-19 presents a genuine reason for concern and anxiety. However, as more is learned about the virus and the actions individuals can take to protect themselves, it is important to follow the suggestions of scientists and the CDC, in order to lessen the severity and frequency of intrusive thoughts and excessive worry.

The past year has undeniably given people reason to be fearful — and that’s okay.