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Anxiety in a Pandemic

It's been about one full year since COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines began across the United States. It's been one year since businesses shuttered, schools closed, and staying at home became the new normal. This is a tough year for everyone and exhausted us physically, but the anxiety, uncertainty, and stress have done their part to make it mentally and emotionally straining as well. We learned how to cope with all the physical stresses, yet all need help on the mental ones. This week, our awesome group returns for another discussion, this time on coping with anxiety during the pandemic.

The CDC recognizes that while efforts like social distancing are needed to keep people safe. This isn't normal, and people feel lonely not seeing family and friends. This can lead to negative physical changes like stomach pains, loss of appetite, and headaches. Some of the remedies to these issues are eating regularly, going to bed early, and making time to relax. (Mental Health and Coping during COVID-19)

The youth and young adults are tired of all the news on COVID-19, yet they are not seeing friends or family in person. It's weighed heavily on all of us, but glad to report that while we are bummed about how things have gone, there is hope within our group that things are working from being completely closed to limited capacity in the pandemic. With new plans for rolling out the vaccine coming out every day, we are starting to ask the question: "What will life be like after COVID?" For now, we will, of course, play it safe, but the future looks bright for us here in New Jersey. 

What has changed for you since last year? Let us know in the comment section. We will be back next week with another recap. Click the link to register found under resources to join the SPAN youth chat. Invite a friend!

Author,

Jeremy Hayer

Resources:

  1. The SPAN Youth Chat: the-span-youth-chat

  2. Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

  3. Youth-Focused Videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGXju3IK5UOWXGDV1Fzfrc2DJuDDqOKTu

  4. Subscribe to SPAN's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/SPANAdvocacy

  5. Link to SPAN's website: https://spanadvocacy.org/

  6. Link to SPAN’s Youth In the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know

  7. We’re here for you!  Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726

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