Feeling Anxious in the New Year? Here are 3 Reasons 2021 May Cause You Anxiety
2020 was, well…2020. It certainly was a year that we are all going to be absorbing and processing for a very long time to come.
However, it’s a new year, and typically we look forward to an opportunity for new beginnings. It should be a time when we can set goals for yourself and begin the work towards a better future.
Yet, 2021 may already be causing us to experience anxiety. That’s understandable, given what we all just went through.
Here are three reasons why 2021 may cause you anxiety, and what we can do about it.
1. The Pandemic
Let’s get this one over with. Even though we have come a long way in the last year, we are still gripped in a worldwide pandemic.
Sadly, the death toll from COVID-19 still climbs. We find ourselves still at home, wearing masks out in public, and worried about contracting a very deadly disease. Or worse, passing coronavirus on to someone we love.
So, it makes sense that 2021 may still cause you to worry. We still have a long way to go, but there is hope. The vaccination process has begun, with several more still in development. Also, we know a lot more about this disease and how it works as compared to last March when lockdowns began.
2. Financial Issues
Another cause for anxiety in 2021 might be financial issues. For example:
Being laid off or furloughed last year due to the pandemic.
Retirement plans have been put on hold because of changes in the market.
Prices are going up, including rent, food, clothing, and other necessities.
The economic situation has caused people to drop out of school in order to work.
Or, graduating into the current economy, are struggling to find work, and have debt.
Thus, it makes sense that we might feel burdened with financial worries going into 2021. In fact, it feels as if that we just don’t have any control over our financial situation at all.
3. An Uncertain Future
When we consider the pandemic, financial issues, and recent events in the news regarding our politics and government, it seems the future is uncertain. We worry about what could be around the corner, both in the “big picture” sense and for your own life.
When we worry or are anxious, it’s because of a sense of powerlessness. It’s very disheartening when we feel powerless. But what can we do about it?
Focusing on What You Can Control
When faced with anxiety, it’s always helpful to consider what, exactly, is in our control. For instance, we can’t change the fact that COVID-19 is still out there. However, there are several things that we can do to reduce our risk of contracting coronavirus. That means following the guidance of:
Wearing a mask.
Washing our hands.
Staying six feet apart.
Avoiding crowds and indoor gatherings.
For financial issues, maybe it’s reworking the resume, taking courses online, applying for jobs, and applying for aid. When we feel anxious, it’s difficult to consider the options available. That’s why additional support might be needed.
Professional Help for Anxiety
If things have reached a point where anxiety becomes crippling, then it’s time to get professional help. A therapist trained in anxiety counseling can help slow things down and provide perspective. They also know tools that can help with managing stress in the moment and to stay grounded.
We named our practice “Rise to Change Your Story” for a reason. It’s because often the internal narrative in our head causes us to limit ourselves from our true potential. That includes anxiety. If you would like to learn more about how anxiety treatment can help, contact us today.
