The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with anxiety disorders is going to be felt for a long time to come. As we emerge from isolation and social restrictions are lifted, we still live in the ‘ambient anxiety of 24/7 news about virus variants and long-haul symptoms, natural disasters and racial/economic oppression. This toxic atmosphere fuels the vigilance and persistent worry that are hallmarks of anxiety disorders. It is harder and harder to curate information from news sources or social media and discern accurate information, creating more tough-to-shake off anxiety and making isolation feel like the only safety. As people emerge into social situations, ‘cave syndrome’ is affecting all ages, but adolescents, in particular those with social anxiety, are struggling with that and the new challenge of re-entry anxiety. In this session, Dr. Wehrenberg will focus on practical strategies that will help any client with anxiety to suffer less panic, to increase stress resilience, and to block worry (especially health anxiety). Join us and get new ideas to manage anxiety in a world where pandemics are real.
Learning Objectives:
- Develop clients’ resilience to cope with reality-based threats.
- Apply effective strategies that assist with panic and anxiety – especially health anxiety.
- Help adolescents and young adults diminish re-entry anxiety.