‘Riverdale’ Actress Lili Reinhart Is Using Quarantine to Upback ‘Box of Trauma’
The Story: It’s a tumultuous time for everyone as the world faces a pandemic, but feelings of stress and worry are exacerbated for those with anxiety. “Riverdale” actress Lili Reinhart shared her own struggles on Instagram with mental health and COVID-19, saying she finds herself having anxiety about having to run errands and leaving her home. Reinhart explained she’s been struggling with anxiety since middle school when she began having panic attacks. Despite the added stress of COVID-19, she said she’s taken this time to center herself and find new ways to cope.
I’ve very much been…just trying to take full advantage of this very rare time, where I don’t have much to do and deal with my own little box of trauma in the back of my head that I wouldn’t normally ever want to sift through. — Lili Reinhart, Paper Magazine
The Frontlines: Pandemic anxiety is a big deal. It’s something we’re all living through but it’s hitting some communities harder — including those who were facing struggles with mental health before the outbreak.
- In May, the Washington Post reported that 1 in 3 Americans now show signs of clinical anxiety and depression.
- Census Bureau statistics show 18- to 29-year-olds are the most affected, with 42% reporting anxiety and 36% depression.
- For those who actually end up getting sick from COVID-19, one study showed2% dealt with post-traumatic stress symptoms.
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A Mighty Voice: Our contributor, Meghana Nayak, shared what it’s like having anxiety during the pandemic. “I’m trying to tell myself what I’m feeling is normal, especially given the circumstances of what’s going on currently, and yet, there’s a part of me reprimanding myself for allowing the anxiety to gradually pervade my mind.” You can submit your first-person story, too.
Add your voice: Join The Mighty’s Coronavirus group by downloading our app or comment below.
Other things to know: Reading about others’ experiences with anxiety can create a greater sense of community during these difficult times. Here’s what other contributors are saying about mental health amid the COVID-19 outbreak:
- How Yoga and Breathing is Helping Me Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 4 Steps to Managing Health Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 9 Ways to Stay Positive Through COVID-19 Anxiety and Depression
- Tips for Helping Children Cope With Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
How to take action: Health experts at the national and global level are taking note of the unique state of mental health and have created resources for dealing with anxiety as we navigate the pandemic. Here are several pages where you may be able to find help:
Header image via Lili Reinhart/Instagram
Silvia Pittman is a wife and new mom who is obsessed with all things digital. When she's not chasing after her toddler, she's writing and taking in the Gulf of Mexico views at the beach. She is a first generation immigrant committed to spreading awareness for issues that impact the Latinx community. She is always eager to tell new stories and believes in the unparalleled value of access to information.
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