Worsening depression due to health anxiety

[pinkorangeyellow]

I am really anxious about coronavirus to the point that I panic about leaving the flat and I'm scared to be around my flatmates. I have a weakened immune system and scarring on my lungs and I'm scared that if I get it I'll die or be extremely unwell. I'm at university and I'm studying around 200 miles from home so I have no nearby family and I'm so scared. My building is student accommodation and nobody is taking it seriously and people are going clubbing and to events all the time and its making me want to never leave my bedroom. I have to go to uni today and I feel sick just thinking about going in.

I understand that coronavirus isn't at it's worst in the UK and I have little chance of getting it, but I'm still scared because there are many people from my university quarantined. I have been suffering badly with depression for months and I have been starting to feel a bit better by doing CBT and finding fun things to do again but now I'm too scared to do them and I am going into a dark hole.

I think I just want reassurance because I don't know who to tell and I'm just really not doing great mentally at the minute.

[Ladygrey]

Hello

I don’t think you should go into university with your ‘underlying health problems’. I would explain this to the university and arrange your study away from lectures.

I think you should try and get home if possible - you will feel more relaxed and will be able to continue your studies.

Do not worry what others are doing, the fact that students have self-quarantined should be an indication of its seriousness and why you should protect yourself.

Take care.

[pinkorangeyellow in reply to Ladygrey]

Hi

I think I'm going to contact the university to study at home for a while like you have suggested. I'm going to ask my parents if they can come and pick me up from my accommodation rather than taking the train home for 7 hours. Thank you for being understanding and telling me what I should realise is the smart thing to do.

Stay safe <3

[Ladygrey in reply to pinkorangeyellow]

I think this is a good plan - in reality the Easter break is 3 weeks away and we will all know a little more by then.

Avoiding the train would be good.

I appreciate not everyone has the option to stay home but ‘underlying health problems’ especially respiratory and signs of symptoms should acted on - to protect ourselves and others.

Take care.