I am new here

[Molly417]

I am so anxious and depressed and it's worse since this virus hit

[SunIsShining]

I’m the same, usually I’m fine being home alone but for whatever reason this is really messing with me

[Timmypliskin in reply to SunIsShining]

It because we humans do not like being told we cant do something, even if for our own good.... it's what makes us so.... funn .

[ShyJ]

I have been the same way..

[PNIAuthor60]

I can only imagine that the virus has intensified those feelings because of the enormity of our situation. We are in shock and feeling overwhelmed and powerless. How do we grieve something we don't begin to understand?

Talking with each other here is a starting point. As a woman of deep faith, I am relying on the principles of my faith, scripture and reading and watching uplifting articles and videos.

I know the power of my own thoughts and so choose to invest in things I enjoy for the temporary relief of anxiety and depression. I journal, play online games, enjoy Netflix, intend on trying my hand at painting, am writing letters to friends far and near, relish being outside on my balcony in the sunshine or taking out the garbage/recycling.

I've participated in an 'isolation walk" with a dear friend. She walked on one side of my street and I walked on the other singing. We laughed ourselves silly.

Think of ways to nourish yourself, be kind and patient with yourself, pamper yourself - we're all doing the very best we know how. Celebrate moments when you recognise the absence of depression or anxiety.

I too struggle, continue to reach out here and know that we can hold each other up!

[Hidden]

I'm sorry that you are feeling this way. Please know that you are not alone. As I agree with other people have written in reply to you and elsewhere on this site: we have been uprooted and told exactly what to do and basically when to do it. These are two things most troublesome to people, to animals really: change and restriction of movement. They already know through incarceration studies that isolation has a negative effect on people's psychology and if my memory is correct, the same is true for human touch. This often contributes to depression (and in prolonged times, psychosis). You are not alone. I don't know how long this can continue for. Part of me is just that curious: to see how long it is going to take for people to revolt and risk that everyone will "get 'it'" and see what the aftermath is. Frankly, even with social distancing... it seems to be just that: a big experiment. I hope that you are feeling better after connecting on this site. Take good care.

[Anxious_City]

Hi. I'm feeling the same way. My anxiety is bad to begin with, but now it is through the roof. Please keep in touch with us.

[froggymom88]

These are very difficult times for all. Try to distract yourself with little things you like to do. Maybe listen to music , watch a funny movie, journal or take an online class. Hang in there because we are all in this together. I will be praying for all of you.