We are in the midst of a pandemic now with coronavirus and many people are having increased anxiety because of this. It is important to remember that everyone is having their own reactions, feelings, concerns and anxieties about this. Please be mindful of others’ feelings when speaking about this. Many people are having increased anxiety because of this.

How do you manage your anxiety with something that can seem so out of control. Here are some tips:

• Limit your news and media consumption. While it is important to keep abreast of developments, also try to remember that obsessing over this will not help you keep your anxiety at bay. If you feel compelled to check to see what the latest news is, please look at reliable sources such as the CDC, the World Health Organization or your local health department. If you want to read the news, consider sources such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, The Associated Press or Reuters. These are trusted news sources.

• Keep yourself safe while considering others. Yes, it is important to have soap and hand sanitizer, but do consider how much you actually need and weigh that need against others’ needs. Please be mindful that the more you stock up or even hoard items such as soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, toilet paper and food items in an effort to protect yourself, the fewer of those resources will be available for others who may need them, as well.

• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands and keeping your hands away from your face. Please do not hoard face masks if you are not symptomatic. Doing so easily could feed your fears and anxieties, as well as keep needed masks out of the hands of health care professionals who need them when working with ill patients.

• Remember your coping skills when your anxiety flares up. One of the best ways to manage anxiety and to protect yourself is to keep exercising. Exercise reduces anxiety and helps you maintain your health. If you are worried about going to the gym, perhaps consider walking, running or cycling alone outside. There also are a plethora of workouts online that you might consider using in the privacy of your own home.

• Consider avoiding large groups of people while at the same time maintaining your relationships. There are all sorts of ways to stay connected: through video chats, text messages, phone calls and old-school snail mail letters stamped with self-adhesive stamps. It probably is okay to hang out with small groups of friends or family as long as none is symptomatic. And, it probably is just fine to go on a date with your significant other as long as neither of you is showing any symptoms of coronavirus.

• Remember that the only person you can control is you and you are in control of how you react to this pandemic. Please, try not to panic. Health care professionals have indicated that if you become ill, the likelihood of your surviving this illness is quite good. Take good care of yourself.

And remember, that should your anxieties become overwhelming, you still can make an appointment with a mental health professional. Most therapists and counselors continue to take appointments in person, via telephone or video.