The Hidden Anxiety of COVID-19

Can You Relate?

If you’ve ever experienced a panic attack, you can relate to my story. It’s an overwhelming feeling that often comes quickly — so quick, you have little time to process what’s happening and respond appropriately. This was not my first panic attack and I’m sure it won’t be my last, but it was one that I didn’t see coming. By that, I mean that I usually can feel stress building up over a few days. If I don’t release it, it releases itself via a panic attack. While I did have a few stressful experiences during the week, I did not sense that a panic attack was on the horizon. I felt completely powerless.

As I came back to my senses, I tried to process the attack. What caused it? Is there an underlying source of stress that I’m not seeing? What could I have done differently? I spent the next 24 hours in mental exploration in search of answers to these questions.

The Impact of Stress.

As I write this post, it’s May 16, 2020 — nearly two months since I shared ten observations in the thick of COVID-19. Among those observations, I believe I underestimated the reality that this is a wake-up call. I have not been as financially or emotionally impacted by COVID-19 as others. I am very fortunate, all things considered. But, I’m still impacted. Today, my stepchildren are visiting for the…