Stress and anxiety often manifest into depression. COVID-19 definitely took its toll on society in Quebec. Since March 2020, many people were affected by the consequences of illness and quarantine, including the onset of fears of how the virus will develop and the limited access to information that was provided by the media at the beginning of the pandemic. Today, we are still battling the effects of anxiety because even after a year in, we are still unsure when the pandemic will end and when things will resume back to “normal”.

An article in The Montreal Gazette stated that a recent study done by Quebec psychologists suggests that the number of people suffering from anxiety has increased since the pandemic. “The conducted survey shows a 56% increase in emergencies and surges in memory loss, concentration and attention,” the article says. The survey also points out that people who already suffer from anxiety are now experiencing higher forms of anxiety due to the pandemic.

Increase in Substance Use
According to Statistics Canada, alcohol and marijuana sales have spiked during the pandemic but mostly for those who were already consuming these substances. Substances are often used as a band-aid to mask feelings of anxiety, as well as to help sleep at night or to cope with loneliness and boredom.

According to quebec.ca, there are many ways to keep on top of your mental health status and they also provide tips on how to take care of yourself during the pandemic

Tips to Cope with Anxiety
Here are some tips from the website for people dealing with anxiety for the first time. Feeling panicked all the time or stress can wear the body down. Anxiety can cripple people to the point of being constantly exhausted, edgy and unhappy. Taking care of your mental health is important in order to be there for other people in your life. Creating a healthy routine and sticking to it, taking care of your personal hygiene and exercise will help reduce anxiety. For those working from home, make a clean, organized workspace, free of clutter, ideally in another room away from your sleeping quarters.

Fresh air and breathing exercises can help the body and mind calm racing thoughts. Keeping a gratitude journal, practicing positive thinking, turning off the noise, such as overstimulation from electronics and social media, can also help calm the mind to encourage better sleep and eating patterns.

Laughter is often the best medicine. Conversations, story-telling, joking and connecting with loved ones virtually on a daily basis can also help lower anxiety levels. Maintaining relationships with loved ones, near and far, is not only good for your mental health, but also nurtures relationships with the people in your life.

Get Help When You Need it
For those suffering in silence with anxiety, try finding something new to do, pick up a new hobby, or join a support group. There are many virtual groups to join online, including religious groups, AA, mother or family groups, etc. or seek help from a professional. CLSCs, including quebec.ca, provide you with a list of resources to help you cope during this difficult time.