Hypervigilance can lead to anxiety and stress.
In Omicron Phase three, we are no longer being restricted on places we can and cannot go. In this self-management model, it is up to us to keep ourselves safe including our loved ones, workplace and the local community. While we are vigilantly doing this, we often ignore the impact it has on our mental well being.
Common symptoms can include:
- Feelings of losing control.
- Experience of emotional distress.
- Feelings of sadness and emotional pain from memories.
- Feeling alienated thinking that you will be judged and made to feel unwelcomed.
- Difficulty being around people that appear to be erratic or chaotic.
- Urge to constantly keep tabs on the whereabouts of your family members and friends.
- Feelings of frustration and anger when the internet connection cuts out or when the electronics fail to function properly.
There are ways to cope with hypervigilance.
- Exercise -Regular exercise promotes positive health focus. It also helps reduce the stress hormones namely adrenalin and cortisol. Exercising helps create endorphins in our brain. Endorphin is beneficial in elevating our moods and acts as a natural painkiller.
- Medication – Please consult your doctor on suitable medication to help regulate your moods. It is also normal for your doctor to recommend talk therapy in conjunction with medication prescriptions.
- Talking therapy or counselling therapy is a good way to help address the stressors that lead to anxiety. The most commonly used therapy modality is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). The main focus of CBT is to analyze the negative thoughts that fuel your anxiety and address them. There are many ways you can get counselling therapy, either by contacting a counselling centre or finding them online.
- Complimentary therapies such as meditation and psychoeducation can also be helpful. We get better as we learn more ways to cope with our worries.
There are many solutions out there on how to cope with anxiety and stress. The first step is to acknowledge that you need help. I offer one on one online counselling sessions. Bookings are available on counsellors.co.nz