Coping with COVID: Controling emotions throughout a pandemic

Washington State Department of Health offers newest episode in Handling COVID podcast series

We’re about 8 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s a lot going on around us. We’re stabilizing a lot– work, school, family, and the upcoming holidays– during a time of great uncertainty. If you find yourself responding more negatively to things you’re experiencing, you’re not alone. Feeling angry or disappointed is a typical reaction during a pandemic, however there are things you can do to handle those emotions.

In this episode of our Managing COVID podcast series, Kira Mauseth, PhD and Doug Dicharry, MD go over the reasons for strong emotional responses and what we can do to feel more in control throughout stressful times.

Feeling angry or annoyed is a normal reaction during a pandemic, but there are things you can do to handle those emotions. Image by Mike Schultz

Throughout times of tension it can be difficult to manage, or control, our feelings.

In demanding circumstances, we perceive things in a different way: we become so concentrated on things we see as risks that we can’t see the positives or believe clearly about solutions. And as the brain gets tired from handling the stressful events around us, we tend to respond more mentally.

Psychological dysregulation in adults might imply:

• Feeling angry, annoyed, or irritable.
• Performing impulsively or lashing out at others, in some cases without understanding why.

In kids, emotional dysregulation can imply:

• Falling back (acting more youthful than they are).
• Withdrawing and having little inspiration to do things.
• Having stomachaches or difficulty sleeping.

Psychological regulation takes practice

Do not be too hard on yourself if you notice that you’re feeling upset or blasting individuals near you. It is typical to experience psychological dysregulation throughout difficult times like these. However there are some things you can do to feel more in control of your feelings, especially prior to acting on them.

• Take a minute. When you find yourself responding emotionally, pause and take a deep breath. Consider what is happening in the minute before you react.
• Concentrate on the positives. Not whatever is bad today. Focus on the positive or neutral things in your life. Look for chances to construct on your strengths, even when some things are hard.
• Take a social networks break. Doomscrolling, or endlessly scrolling through upsetting content, can increase feelings of anxiety. Limit the amount of time you spend on social media.
• Determine your stress factors. Think of what sets you off and adds to sensations of worry or anxiety. When you are clear about what is troubling you, you can work towards an option.

Let kids see you practicing these abilities. When you design psychological policy for kids, they establish the skills to recognize and manage their emotions throughout life. Plus, grownups who manage their own emotions are better geared up to relax kids who are mentally dysregulated.

Do not be afraid to ask for aid

Psychological guideline is crucial as we continue to juggle everyday responsibilities with the tensions of the vacation season and COVID-19 pandemic.

Stay tuned to our blog for more details on how you can assist stop the spread of COVID-19 Register to be notified whenever we post brand-new short articles.

Info in this blog site changes rapidly. Examine the state’s COVID-19 site for current and trustworthy information at coronavirus.wa.gov

Answers to your questions or issues about COVID-19 in Washington state might be discovered at our site

Please keep in mind that this call center can not access COVID-19 screening results. For testing inquiries or results, please call your health care company.

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