• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
BlackDoctor.org
Where Wellness & Culture Connect

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

  • Health Conditions
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Longevity
  • COVID-19
  • Find A Doctor
  • Subscribe
Home / Health Conditions / Anxiety / Could the Holidays be Making Your Pandemic Anxiety Worse?

Could the Holidays be Making Your Pandemic Anxiety Worse?

Under normal circumstances, the holiday blues are real.  And this year, with a devastating pandemic in progress, more people are likely to struggle with the emotional pressures this season brings and the effects could be worse.

“More patients are having high rates of anxiety and panic related to the pandemic.” says Dr. Deshon Moore, director of emergency medicine at Advocate South Suburban Hospital in Hazel Crest, Ill. “This anxiety can be a precursor to depression. It could also trigger a relapse for people with a pre-existing condition,” Dr. Moore says.

A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report says that since April 2020, the number of Americans reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression, suicidal thoughts and substance abuse has been consistently higher, compared to 2019. Younger adults, racial/ethnic minorities, essential workers, and unpaid adult caregivers appear to be most susceptible.

“Between the emotional and financial strains of being furloughed or unemployed…and the stresses associated with remote learning for children… angst over political uncertainties…and the isolations of social distancing, especially among people who live alone – COVID-19 is giving many adults a lot to feel anxious about,” Dr. Moore explains.

You May Also Like
9 Foods You Should Never Eat after Age 30

As a result, it could be more important than ever to connect with loved ones and spread holiday cheer to those we meet along our (socially distanced) way. Dr. Moore says it’s a good idea to organize virtual gatherings and make impromptu video calls to ease feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness throughout the season. He also suggests watching out for the following red flags that may signal trouble:

  • Suicidal thoughts, which may be expressed during normal conversation. If you hear phrases like “I don’t want to live anymore” or I” want to end it,” have the patient call their primary care physician and / or visit the nearest Emergency Department
  • Drastic sleeping or eating changes that persist for long periods of time. If your loved one hasn’t slept or eaten in 3 or more days, this could be a sign of depression. Have the patient call their primary care physician.
  • Self-harming behaviors such as cutting, or substance abuse can be signs of distress. If you discover this, have the patient call their primary care physician.

 

 

December 17, 2020 by Cassie Richardson

Read Next Article

The Latest In Anxiety

African American Black woman relaxing with cup of tea and book

8 Natural Remedies For Anxiety Disorder

  Living with anxiety disorder can be nightmarish at times. When work, family, money or love gets out of control, so do your heartbeat and then your breathing and then your mind. There’s no relaxing now. You’re in full panic-attack read more about 8 Natural Remedies For Anxiety Disorder

Essential Oils for Pain: Healing From Head To Toe With Lavender

Lavender is an aromatic plant rich in history and myth and considered one of the original essential oils for pain. With its roots in the past, its healing qualities grew through the centuries. It is often mentioned in the Bible, read more about Essential Oils for Pain: Healing From Head To Toe With Lavender
African American woman in bed

3 Reasons You’re Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night

Unable to get your beauty sleep? Do you find yourself constantly roused during the wee hours of the night? Being unable to sleep through the night could be a sign of a deeper health issue. Here are a few of read more about 3 Reasons You’re Waking Up In The Middle Of The Night
African American woman exercising outside

Got Anxiety? There’s A Workout For That

Anxiety is a health issue that many people deal with on a daily basis. Whether it’s the occasional feeling of anxiousness or an all-out panic attack, anxiety is a mental health condition that should be taken seriously. For many people, read more about Got Anxiety? There’s A Workout For That
African American woman laughing

6 Smarter Ways To Deal With Stress

I’m not sure about you, but I believe learning how to de-stress should not be so stressful. But, let’s face it. You probably have a lot on your plate and are just trying to make it day-by-day. Managing your day-to-day read more about 6 Smarter Ways To Deal With Stress

These Foods Make Your Stress & Anxiety WORSE

If you had the choice to feel like a light and colorfully vibrant fruit salad, or a heavy bowl of lifeless pasta, which would you choose? It may be cliche, but it really is true that you are what you read more about These Foods Make Your Stress & Anxiety WORSE

Primary Sidebar

Subscribe to our newsletter

Poll

Popular Posts

  • 7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain7 Bad Sleep Habits That Cause Weight Gain
  • Pooch Hall: Family Over EverythingPooch Hall: Family Over Everything
  • Home Remedies For Your Dry SkinHome Remedies For Your Dry Skin
  • Black Health History: Rosa ParksBlack Health History: Rosa Parks
  • 10 Cities With The Highest HIV Rates10 Cities With The Highest HIV Rates

Podcast

Diabetes prevention and management podcast

Dr. LeNoir is joined by Dr. Lenore Coleman, a Pharmacist and Founder of Healing Our Village, as they offer you the tools you need to prevent and manage diabetes.

Listen Now

Footer

Where Wellness & Culture Connect

BDO is the world’s largest and most comprehensive online health resource specifically targeted to African Americans. BDO understands that the uniqueness of Black culture - our heritage and our traditions - plays a role in our health. BDO gives you access to innovative new approaches to the health information you need in everyday language so you can break through the disparities, gain control and live your life to its fullest.

Connect With Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Learn More About

  • Hepatitis C
  • Diabetes
  • Sickle Cell
  • Mental Health
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise With Us
  • BlackDoctor.org Advertising and Sponsorship Policy
  • Daily Vitamina
  • TBH

Copyright © 2021, BlackDoctor, Inc. All rights reserved.