Anxiety and Monkeypox

While clinically less severe than smallpox, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis (a virus that spreads from animals to people). It has symptoms that are comparable to those of smallpox. Monkeypox has replaced smallpox as the most significant orthopoxvirus for public health since smallpox was eradicated in 1980 and smallpox vaccinations were subsequently discontinued. Primarily affecting central and west Africa, monkeypox has been spreading into cities and is frequently seen close to tropical rainforests. Numerous rodent species and non-human primates serve as hosts for animals.

It makes sense that people are concerned about monkeypox. They most likely are because of their personal encounters with the pandemic. 

It's common for anxiety and disease to coexist. Even though physical health issues on their own are troubling, when coupled with mental health issues they become even more so. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and other anxiety disorders are frequently linked to ailments like heart disease, digestive problems, and respiratory conditions.

Although the link between anxiety and illness has been proven, determining the cause of the two is somewhat of a chicken-and-egg problem.

Are biological processes that result in physical health issues triggered by anxiety? Does having a physical condition like arthritis or migraines make you anxious? Or are both emotional and physical health problems brought on by other reasons, such as inherited or environmental ones?

We have just gone through a global pandemic so devastating that we can still feel its aftermath. So, the news of monkeypox being called a global health emergency is inducing anxiety in us. We don’t want to go back to the phase we just went through and the chances of that happening are scary. 

A WORD FROM SOCIALLY SOULED

There are a few ways by which you can manage your anxiety and they are - 

1. Get assistance as soon as possible. Waiting to get treatment for anxiety, like many other mental health issues, might make it more difficult.
   
   
2. Remain active. Engage in things you find enjoyable and positive for your self-image. Enjoy the company of kind people and social interaction because they can help you relax.
   
   
3. Avoid using drugs or alcohol. Anxiety can be caused by or worsened by alcohol and drug usage. Quitting one of these substances can make you anxious if you are addicted to it. Visit your doctor or look for a support group if you are unable to stop on your own.