By Tim Mastro

DOVER — The resurgence of COVID-19 in Delaware will most likely lead to an increase of anxiety, according to local behavioral health experts.

Su Chafin, a behavioral health practitioner who practices at Bayhealth Family Medicine in Dover, said the pandemic has already removed some of the stigma around mental health. But in the years to come, communities will need to expand their understanding and support of behavioral health services

“This pandemic has driven us inside in homes and inside our minds,” Ms. Chafin said. “It is just as important to take care of your mind as it is your body. They are not separate, after all they walk, ride, eat, sleep side by side every day.”

“My advice is to not hesitate to get professional help,” Ms. Chafin added. “It’s not about how we are broken, it’s about allowing someone to support us as we explore our hidden processes. You can always start with your family doctor to guide you.”

For those who are struggling with the threat of isolation or are anxious about the growing number of positive cases, there are ways to manage that anxiety, says Alexandra Taylor, Beebe Medical Group’s licensed clinical social worker. Ms. Taylor recommends disconnecting from social media posts for a bit and turning off television news coverage of the pandemic.

She said doing things that a person knows will make them happy and relieve stress is one of the best coping mechanisms, whether it’s exercise, reading, journaling, listening to music, catching up on television shows or any other hobbies.

Deep breathing exercises, seven counts in and 10 counts out, also can help to calm down if things every get too overwhelming.

“People underestimate how important it is to stop and take a deep breath,” Ms. Taylor said. “I know that’s thrown around a lot. It’s actual a practice. Taking a deep breath is legitimately something that actually forces your body to calm down physically. If you become overwhelmed, you have to focus on that breathing.”

Ms. Chafin of Bayhealth recommends finding an appreciation for the lessons learned over the last year and a half.

“Find places in our lives where we can place gratitude,” she said. “What can you be grateful for in your life? When we practice gratitude, the brain releases serotonin and dopamine, crucial neurotransmitters that control emotion. This makes us instantly feel happier and boosts our mood from the inside.

“The mental anguish many are experiencing from the pandemic is likely exponential,” Ms. Chafin added. “I think it will take years to uncover some of the psychological effects from the pandemic. Anxiety and fear are the biggest emotions people are struggling with. Depressive symptoms, traumatic stress, grief, substance use and dependence, as well as increased anger and irritation are also issues many people are currently struggling with.”

There are ways to cope with this pandemic-driven anxiety, said Ms. Chafin, such as asking for help if needed, practicing kindness to oneself and others, making choices from trusted sources about infection control and respecting another’s point of view.

“Cultivating compassion will help you cope and give you a better attitude to all of those around you,” Ms. Chafin said.

Ms. Taylor of Beebe said it is possible to use anxiety as a source of strength — for an individual to do all the right things to ensure they are protecting themselves against COVID-19 and to feel proud of it.

“One thing that sounds counterproductive but it’s actually super helpful is allowing your anxiety to be a source of strength for you,” she said.“I know we hear anxiety and think it’s bad and we’re trying to fix it, but I think when we have anxiety such as this it’s a different anxiety. It’s something we can manage instead of eliminate because there’s an actual threat. COVID is a very realistic thing that’s happening in the world so lean into and let it be a sense of strength in some way if you can. Let it drive you to protect yourself, practice your own kind of self-care in your own home to manage your anxiety and make yourself feel better.”