Many people looked forward to seeing 2020 in the rearview mirror. But the year's problems didn't go away when the clock struck midnight on Jan. 1.

And people need to remember to care for themselves in the new year, experts say.

Although there is light at the end of the tunnel thanks to vaccines, it's unclear when we'll be free from a pandemic that has killed more than 370,000 people nationally.

And with the holidays already magnifying stress and anxiety levels, which are underscored by financial burdens and uncertainty, these feelings can be overwhelming.

Kelley Breidigan, a senior lecturer for Ohio State University's College of Social Work, said these pressures have proven to have major effects throughout the country.

The American Psychological Association conducted a Stress in America Survey in November, which showed that 81% of Americans point to the future of our nation as a significant source of stress. For comparison, only 66% said the same thing in January 2017.

Breidigan said people often prefer controlled situations, so with this year's outbreak and polarized political climate, there's been a heightened sense of exhaustion.

"People look for a predictable existence, that's how we stay safe and we're always searching for that," she said. "So when things come up that are uncontrollable, it leaves us feeling particularly anxious and stressed."

Coping with the anxiety, finding support

To cope with these effects, Breidigan said it's important to avoid dwelling on the current circumstances. Instead, establish a more uniform weekly routine and seek support from trusted sources — including mental-health providers.

Breidigan, who also works as a therapist, said engaging in self-care is also essential, as it changes people's neurochemistry for the better. And although seeking professional help is often stigmatized, having someone to listen is helpful for those grappling with anxiety.

"We have to remember we're not in this alone, everyone around us is experiencing this," Breidigan said. "So, if I have someone I trust tremendously, they may also be going through the same issues. Let's have that discussion."

Noam Shpancer, a psychology professor at Otterbein University, said it's important for people to embrace their anxiety-filled thoughts and trepidations.

"Your emotions are a part of your experience, and denying the emotion doesn't work," he said. "It just exhausts you and gives it the power to hurt you."

Shpancer said social and family connections are the best defense against stress and the main source for people's mental health and well-being.

Given this reality, Shpancer said people need to seek creative ways to maintain contact with loved ones and invest more time in social experiences rather than material goods.

Shpancer said it's a good habit to look at things more positively. It motivates action and positive problem-solving skills. And as the new year approaches, there are many reasons to be optimistic, he said.

With the continued distribution of vaccines and the presidential election settled, the upcoming year is looking better, he said.

"We're better off as we move into 2021 than we were a few months ago in 2020," Shpancer said. "We know this will end and we know we're going to win."

ehopkins@dispatch.com

@Earl_Hopkins1