Zoom is a video conferencing platform that companies use for collaboration, telework, and webinars. Video conferencing has also become a significant part of online schooling and personal life, and it is definitely here to stay. Digital conferencing has made it easier than ever to continue with work and studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the use of Zoom has given rise to what is known as Zoom anxiety and Zoom fatigue. It's no surprise that the majority of teenagers have confessed to having anxiety or trouble focusing in virtual classes. They talk of feeling mentally and physically exhausted after using video apps such as Zoom or FaceTime. If you or your teenager has been experiencing Zoom anxiety, a therapist offering adult and teenage counseling in Towson MD can help.
Signs to Look for When Diagnosing Zoom Anxiety
Physical symptoms include:
Sweating
Dizziness
Tension
Increased pulse
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Lightheadedness
Stomach pain
Metal symptoms include:
Nervousness or uneasiness during meetings
Feelings of frustration
Stage fright
Feeling stressed.
Insomnia
Fear
Causes of Zoom Anxiety
Experts have differing opinions as to what causes Zoom anxiety, but a lot of research suggests that it is caused by cognitive overload. The continuous eye contact and the size of the other students' faces on-screen means you are processing different social cues as compared to face-to-face meetings. Another study proposes that anxiety and fatigue are linked to the lack of non-verbal cues in a virtual meeting. Studies have found that the following factors can contribute to anxiety:
Feeling trapped during the meetings
The mirror anxiety which caused by seeing yourself on the screen
Feeling watched by everyone in the zoom session
How To Overcome Zoom Anxiety
Teenage counseling will help you learn various ways of managing Zoom anxiety. The first tactic is minimizing your window. This is a great way to manage video conferencing anxiety, especially if you are self-conscious during the meetings. Alternatively, you can select "hide self-view" to curb the anxiety or switch to "speaker-only view" to minimize sensory overload.
Mindful moving can also help a lot with Zoom anxiety. This includes actions such as stretching your arms, sipping water, or even taking a moment to press your feet down to ground yourself.
Looking for Teenage Counseling in Towson, MD?
B'well Counseling Services is a mental health therapy practice offering a full range of therapeutic services including holistic therapy in Towson, MD and the Greater Baltimore area. We believe in helping people rekindle their curiosity and reconnect to their core selves so that they can truly be well. We value wellness and connection over happiness because we understand that being able to experience the full range of human emotions and experiences is what helps us heal and grow. At B'well, we are dedicated to creating a space for anyone who has ever felt unwelcome because of their identity, orientation, or expression.
B'well Counseling Services offers Telehealth Therapy Services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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