Fear of getting COVID-19

It’s natural to worry about getting or spreading COVID-19. Especially when you’re faced with frequent news, information, and conversation about the COVID-19 virus.

The right information, planning and mental health support can help to reduce your fear.

Try these strategies to help ease your concern and feel more confident.

Have a plan for testing COVID-19 positive

Planning what to do if you catch COVID-19 can help you feel prepared and confident to take care of yourself.

Create a home kit of what you need to manage your symptoms.
Know the steps to take if you do test positive.
Learn how to support your mental health if you get COVID-19.

Manage your information intake

Constant news, social media content and conversation about COVID-19 can be overwhelming and contribute to feelings of anxiety. It’s important to put healthy boundaries in place for what and how much information you consume. This can help you avoid misleading news that can cause a sense of confusion or panic.

Try these ways to manage your information intake to support your mental health.

Ease your concerns with evidence-based information

If you feel unsettled about symptoms, testing or how to protect yourself from getting COVID-19, getting information from a credible medical source can help give you clarity.

Learn more about:

You may find information about the COVID-19 vaccines overwhelming or worrying. Here are some strategies to help you cope with anxiety about COVID-19 vaccines.

Learn how to navigate uncertainty

Not knowing whether you’ll get COVID-19 can make your daily activities feel hard to face.

Practising strategies to cope with uncertainty about things that are out of your control can help ease your fear and anxiety.

Take small steps to build your confidence

If you’re worried about engaging in social activities or daily routines out of fear of getting COVID-19, take it slowly to build your confidence. Find a balance between courage and comfort that works for you.

It can help to:

start small and build from there
use encouraging self-talk
take deep breaths to calm yourself in social situations
share what you’re feeling with people you trust.

Learn the difference between feeling anxious and an anxiety condition

Feeling worried, nervous or scared of getting COVID-19 from time to time is a natural and healthy response.

If those anxious feelings persist and feel unmanageable, it could be a sign of an anxiety condition.

It’s important to identify the difference between feeling anxious and an anxiety condition, so you can learn how best to support your mental health.

Learn more about anxiety conditions.
Use this anxiety and depression checklist to help you identify your level of distress and what steps you can take to manage.

Reach out for support

If you’re struggling to manage your fear of getting COVID-19 or have even the slightest concern, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Find ways you can get free mental health support.