SARASOTA – In a recent study, the CDC found the pandemic is really taking a toll on Americans’ mental health. We spoke to a neurologist who has some tips if your COVID worries are keeping you up at night.
Virginia Thornley, MD, of Elite Neurology says most of her patients already had at least some level anxiety before COVID.
“In the past couple months it’s even more elevated,” Dr. Thornley said.
Between a lack of job security or just fearing the virus itself, Dr. Thornley says we all have a lot on our plates.
“I’m spending a lot more time counseling, trying to reassure patients so that they don’t stress and go into panic,” Dr. Thornley said.
She says there are plenty of natural ways to fight our anxiety and depression, like staying informed on the pandemic.
“Get that information but don’t dwell on it; otherwise your mind will be racing, and when it races you lack sleep,” Dr. Thornley said.
If you can’t sleep she says get out of bed, do some light activity around your house, and then try to go back to sleep.
“Don’t bring your worries to bed, otherwise you associate your bed with anxiety and stress. The bedroom should be an area of relaxation and peace,” Dr. Thornley said, and yes, that means limited to no screen time.
“With activities, you want to start winding down two hours before you go to bed,” Dr. Thornley said. “Yes, we’re in the midst of a pandemic; yes we need to have precautions, but there’s an excess and you don’t need to do that. You don’t need to go there.”
