Deadly pandemic, economic crisis, a daily life that changes dramatically and above all, back to school. In this very special time, everyone has something to be anxious about. We can be worried, stressed, but also have anxiety attacks or develop real phobias.
With confinement, many psychiatrists have also worried about increase in the number of psychiatric pathologies, and in particular anxiety disorders. But it remains difficult to quantify the phenomenon.
“The reasons for consultations and hospitalization vary a lot depending on the region, and it is very difficult to make causal links between the epidemic situation and people’s psychiatric health”, explains to RTL.fr Dr. Michel David, president of the French Federation of Psychiatry. “Personally, I observe that my patients are more worried, and a certain gloom”, he continues.
To deal with anxiety, the psychiatrist and child psychiatrist gives some advice.
1. Identify the sources of anxiety
If you are feeling anxious the first thing is toidentify what worries you. “Finding what is scary allows you to look for small solutions that can be put in place. For example, if you are worried about the back to school, you may be able to anticipate by calling someone in your company to inquire about health protocol or things that will change, ”says Dr. David.
Sometimes it’s also the multiplication of information which can create stress. One of the peculiarities of a health crisis is that medical data and opinions constantly change, and nothing is fixed. “In that case, not looking at the news for a few days can be good “, supports the psychiatrist.
2. Breathe and relax
In the face of anxiety, we can use relaxation techniques: cardiac coherence, meditation… The whole thing is to breathe. You can find examples of simple exercises on the internet, and relaxation tutorials on social networks. You can also consult a professional to find effective techniques, especially against anxiety attacks.
Michel David also suggests do “the sport you love” To relax yourself. Outdoor sport for example, except in very busy places, is widely possible.
3. Talk about it
“The best thing to do if you are worried about the health situation is totalk about it with caregivers. They can give you reassuring information on the epidemic, while continuing to encourage you to respect barrier gestures “, assures Dr. David. He advises in particular to go to a medico-psychological center if you don’t feel well.
But professionals are not the only ones who can reassure you. “See friends, while respecting barrier gestures can do good “, notes the psychiatrist. “As long as they aren’t more anxious than you,” he says. In this case, no scruples to have: we can decide to see some people less because they cause stress.
4. If it is too difficult, consult a doctor.
If the anxiety becomes too much, and it results in physical symptoms for example, do not hesitate to go see a doctor. “First a general practitioner, then if necessary a specialist “, says Dr. David. Neglecting symptoms can lead to more serious psychiatric pathologies: better to be taken care of quickly.
On the other hand, do not take any medicine that is not prescribed for you. “If you’ve never taken an anti-anxiety medication, you can’t know how you’ll react. Some people can be knocked out by drug“. In general, the doctor advises toavoid these anxiety medications as much as possible, and limit their use to situations where they are really needed. Without observing these precautions, certain anxiolytics can cause an addiction which is difficult to get rid of.
