Psychotherapists Katie Leung and Medora Choi of Hong Kong mental health centre Mindish gives practical tips on coping with stress and anxiety during Covid-19
Times are tough right now: Hong Kong’s fifth wave has caused many to lose jobs and even loved ones. As the city goes into self-isolation, businesses are also shuttering over prolonged city-wide restrictions.
Now, more than ever, the city’s collective level of stress and anxiety is at an all-time high, with local mental health organisations reporting an increase in calls for help during the fifth wave, according to the South China Morning Post.
We spoke with psychotherapists Katie Leung and Medora Choi of Hong Kong’s newest luxury mental health centre Mindish to learn about how to cope with stress and anxiety during the fifth wave.
See also: Covid May Cause Long-Term Mental Health Issues, New Study Finds
1. Name The Stressor
“Figure out what you are stressed or anxious about,” says Leung. “When we are self-aware, we can plan and counter-attack anxiety and stress.”
Sometimes, when the stress or anxiety is severe, it could create overwhelming physical sensations. When that happens, Leung suggests asking yourself questions to differentiate anxiety from reality—such as “Is it really true?”, “Am I really out of control?”, “What is the worst-case scenario?”, and “If the worst-case scenario happens, what can I do?”
Instead of letting your brain ruminate over worst-case scenarios, try and face your inner chatter and see what can be done to fix the worry instead. “You are more resilient than you think you are,” says Leung.