Is my anxiety pathological? Understanding anxiety in times of COVID-19

In the face of the pandemic, it is common to wonder if our anxiety has become pathological.

During these months, there has been a lot of talk about the various effects the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our mental healthIt has been referred to as "the other pandemic".

It has been observed, to a large extent, that the population is reaching very high levels of fear and distress, which has acted as a trigger for symptoms of different kinds, the most common of all being anxiety. That the current situation has provoked a reaction of this caliber, it is logical and normal.

Faced with the pandemic, is the anxiety I suffer something pathological?

The word "anxiety" is increasingly used, both in clinical language and in popular language, sometimes being used as an interchangeable synonym for "fear".

For this reason, it is convenient to clarify some differences between these terms: both are translated as feeling insecure, but fear is oriented to the present, it is an automatic, Biological and adaptive reaction of defense, before the perception of a danger (danger).It is an automatic, biological and adaptive defense reaction to the perception of danger (fear can be rational or irrational). It is of high intensity, of negative affect and lasts as long as the dangerous situation lasts.

On the other hand, anxiety is oriented towards the futurethat is to say, it is the capacity to anticipate an event that can be harmful to us. This function can be adaptive when the intensity and frequency of the symptoms are adapted to the dangerousness of the feared event, and allows us to anticipate and act.

However, when the anxious reaction is disproportionate, when identifying its cause is not easy, and when the person presenting these symptoms feels very limited by them, we could say that, far from serving a useful function, it may be a clinical problem. when the person who presents these symptoms feels very limited by them we could say that, far from fulfilling a useful function, it can be a clinical problem that needs professional help. that requires professional help.

At first, when faced with the pandemic, most of society reacted with fear, which is logical: fear of the virus, fear of getting sick and fear of family and friends getting sick. Therefore, we adapted to the restrictions, and the behavior of the vast majority was oriented towards minimizing risks, so that little by little, the crisis would become more controllable.

But as we became accustomed to living with the new situation, new threats began to appear.fear of not finding a job or of losing it if you already have one, fear of losing quality of life, fear of not being able to afford expenses, fear of loneliness, of feeling limited when it comes to accessing rewarding activities?

It is here, when delimiting the line between what is clinical and what is not, becomes somewhat complicated. It is important that we ask ourselves a series of questions to situate ourselves: is my anxiety related to something I can identify? Does the magnitude of my discomfort match the stimulus that causes me insecurity and its probability of occurrence? Is my anxiety guiding me to action or is it preventing me from taking control of my life? Has it become uncontrollable for me?

How does anxiety manifest itself?

Anxiety is not a unitary phenomenon, but manifests itself through three componentsThis is known as the triple response system.

Cognitive component

It refers to the internal experience, taking into account individual differences when perceiving and evaluating the states associated with anxiety. In this component we also find a series of irrational thoughts that not only facilitate the appearance of anxiety, but also maintain it.

Physiological component

Experiencing anxiety is usually accompanied by somatic symptoms that are due to an activation of the autonomic nervous system. These symptoms can be: sweating, trembling, increased muscle tension, cardiac acceleration, dry mouth, accelerated breathing.... How the person interprets these symptoms, contributes to consolidate the subjective state of anxiety.

Behavioral component

Anxiety usually pushes us to behave in a flighty and avoidant way.. It is very logical that we try to move away from what we perceive as harmful; but be careful, we must take into account that, sometimes, we are perceiving things in an unrealistic way, and also, if we get used to avoid and let ourselves be carried away by our anxiety, it will be difficult to overcome it.

On another note, it is important to clarify that anxiety also has an effect on our facial expression and body posture.

What consequences will high levels of anxiety have on me?

It is possible that anxiety has already become incapacitating when you have concentration problems and your sleeping and eating routines are altered (either by excess or defect). It is very likely to have a sense of constant worry that is perceived as inadequate, intrusive thoughts, irritability and restlessness.. It is also possible to perceive a feeling of mental heaviness that makes decision making very difficult, as well as the appearance of excessively intense reactions to last minute changes.

With this article we would like to help depathologize behaviors that are, in fact, normal. We are going through a difficult time as a society and there is nothing pathological about reacting with anger, anxiety or sadness. However, if these emotions are flooding us, it is absolutely fundamental to recognize the need to express, accept and transform them.

It is very possible that this situation has acted as a trigger, or as a straw that breaks the camel's back in many people who, for one reason or another, have collapsed. Therefore, it is a good time to consider evaluating our behavioral patterns, our thoughts and our emotional regulation strategies.

Finally, if you feel that lately this situation has been very difficult to handle, and you have identified yourself with the article, you should know that this can be changed. About us, Introspectia Psychologywork every day to provide psychological support to people who are going through difficult times. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need it.