My Life During the Pandemic

COVID-19 has definitely taken a toll. This pandemic has caused many to lose their jobs, their homes, and their lives. We all hope for a vaccine soon, in the hopes that this virus can be brought under control. In the meantime, many of us have been practicing personal hygiene and social distancing to avoid getting infected. 

            The virus has impacted my life mentally. For the first three months I was worried and irritated with how this virus was being handled. I thought for sure that this virus would infect me and my family. Every time I spoke about it I was told to just practice personal hygiene and social distancing. Over the summer I used my free time to work on my mental health. Before I returned home from campus, my anxiety was at its peak. Realizing how anxious I was I wanted the feeling of panic to end. 

So, I started going to group therapy. I attended several different programs. All of them revolved around understanding anxiety and how to deal with it (link to a group I attended below). Throughout these three months, I developed a new relationship with my anxiety. This program taught me to detect early signs of a panic attack before it even occurs. The group therapist gave us useful tools to use when we feel our anxiety levels rising. Tools such as ten connected breaths and two minute imageries have helped me better control my anxiety. I feel very grateful for this result because I was patient with myself and completed my homework; which was to practice the imageries and ten connected breaths. There are plenty of other tools to use in order to combat a panic attack, but these are the ones that worked for me.

Being at home the entire summer also motivated me to exercise more. During my freshman year I barely worked out and I noticed how that affected my mood. Exercise not only helps me stay healthy and in shape, but it also helps me stay in a positive mindset. For three months I did Zumba and Yoga every week. Besides feeling happier I noticed that I was in better shape physically. Given the circumstances of the Pandemic, I was in lockdown for a month. I knew that I had to find a way to stay healthy without going to a gym, so I decided to work out at home. My body physically changed after exercising so much and I'm happy with the result. 

In the past month, the pandemic hit some of my family members pretty hard. Both financially and emotionally my family was affected. I am fortunate to have such a caring and generous family who will step up and help anyone in need. It’s tough seeing some family members struggling mentally and emotionally, though. Especially with a pandemic, previous feelings of anxiety and depression are amplified. Even though it hurts me to see my family going through difficult times, I try to do my part to help. Through this experience I've learned that having someone that will listen to you and comfort you is one of the greatest gifts to have. 

Throughout the entire summer, if there’s something I’ve learned, it’s to always try and find the light even in the darkest times.

 

“Island of Calm” Anxiety Breakthrough Program. Hosted by Sari Sack Terrusa, MS, LMHC.  https://www.tsijupiter.com/AnxietyBreakthroughProgram.en.html