Doctor Gives Advice For Anxiety During COVID-19 Pandemic

Doctors say a climbing death toll from COVID-19 combined with lingering questions about the virus and cold and flu season coming on are the perfect recipe for panic attacks and anxiety.

Dr. Phebe Tucker of OU Medicine said COVID-19 has “changed the way we do things and it’s important that we adapt.”

But adapting doesn't seem so easy when things are expected to get worse.

Wintertime can mean seasonal depression for some, COVID cases are expected to rise, and there’s the fear of even more isolation, all triggers for anxiety.

Tucker said 10% of people will experience panic attacks with symptoms like "shortness of breath, palpitations, hot flashes, cold chills, fear of dying, (and) fear of going crazy."

Luckily, Tucker said the symptoms don’t last long.

"(It) usually peaks pretty quickly, (it) doesn’t tend to last a long time," she said.

But it can leave you feeling exhausted, and trying to find a calm in the COVID-19 storm can seem impossible.

“For many, housing has become an issue, getting food for some people has been an issue, we hope not to see an increase in homelessness and there's an unemployment issue,” Tucker said.

Tucker said following the basic human needs is fundamental to reducing panic such as "getting adequate nutrition, getting good rest, using mindfulness techniques, using relaxation techniques."

Tucker also strongly recommends exercise, reducing your social media use, find a therapist if you can, and stay connected as much as possible.