I know I'm anxious because of the smoke and confinement, but don't know what to do about it

[Purrsona]

This has been a strange, yellow-skied day. We can't go out and our eyes are stinging even with filters on and windows sealed. The smoke makes me nauseated and uneasy. I feel like I'm close to panic though superficially I'm okay--just too dissociated to really feel it. I'm grateful not to have to evacuate like Oregonians and Californians but this is so disturbing.

It feels like we're on another planet. Maybe some kind of Martian colony that shouldn't exist.

[TailWags]

What state are you in? Sounds pretty surreal. And not so fun. It is only temporary. It may take a while. You can handle it.

[Purrsona in reply to TailWags]

Washington. We got the giant smoke plume from the south. It will hopefully clear up in the next couple of days.

[TailWags in reply to Purrsona]

I dont know how close thr fires are to you. A plan is a good idea. Do you have a bag ready if needed? Once you have prepared the best you can, you need to work on your thoughts to rein them in a bit. Are you are prepared just in case, then can you do a meditation, or sing along to music or anything to relax. Maybe a shower or bath? Or write down how you are feeling. The more detailed the better. Even go through every part of your body, toe to head. You really have to concentrate in each part. Like what is your toe touching? Is it warm or cold?, ect. I think once you break the cycle or stressful thoughts you may feel better

[Purrsona in reply to TailWags]

The fires are quite far as of yet. It's just the fires to the south and east are so gigantic that the smoke is traveling hundreds of miles. Thanks for the advice, I'll try all those things.

[VDC1]

I’ve got to think it’s extremely unhealthy for you to be breathing that in. I wonder what the effect is on your lungs? Smog can be deadly and nobody really notices it. Maybe you should reconsider evacuating.

[Purrsona in reply to VDC1]

Oh, it's definitely not healthy. We're basically hiding inside with the windows taped up and the air purifier on full blast. Somehow a little smoke is still getting in. Luckily we're not at risk of fire for the moment.

[VDC1 in reply to Purrsona]

Do you have an evacuation plan if it gets worse?

[Purrsona in reply to VDC1]

Good point, we have one but it could probably be clearer. We have food and water and cat stuff ready in the car and the idea is to get to a Motel 6 as soon as we can.

[Ricardo70]

Don't overthink this, pack a bag and get out of there! Sorry to be so blunt but I would rather live in a cheap pop up tent for a week! The damage caused by smoke inhalation is very serious and can have lasting effects on your health.

[Ladybug9]

I can relate. I live in Northern California and our air quality has become hazardeous. It's definitely a concern. Please please stay indoors as much as you can. Praying this smoke blows out soon and we can finally see the sun!!

[Purrsona in reply to Ladybug9]

It's so hideous We were predicted to get some relief someday but apparently that weather system isn't coming after all.

[Ladybug9 in reply to Purrsona]

I'm so sorry you aren't getting relief! Our problem now are the strong winds preparing to hit us and we can only pray that they don't blow towards the fires! And we keep getting reports of more fires. It's so sad!

[Purrsona in reply to Ladybug9]

Oh gosh. I really shouldn't be complaining to you when you're dealing with the actual fires. That is just so scary.