Therapist has COVID

[AnoukR]

Hey guys, I’m new here. I am really really struggling right now. My suicidal thoughts are at an all time high, which is really saying something. My panic attacks and dissociation are worse than ever. They’ve even started affecting my work. I am an elementary school teacher and I love it, but the impossibility of what we are being asked to do this year is making my mental health issues so much worse. My anxiety and depression are crippling and I’m now struggling with restricting my eating badly, which hasn’t happened in a long time. On top of everything, my therapist just tested positive for COVID and has obviously canceled our sessions until further notice. She’s the only person who knows what I’m going through, and is the only person I feel I can talk to about it. So now I feel completely lost and alone. I’m in desperate need of some support and advice.

[brandalina]

When I feel this way, I try a few things. I try to exercise, I try to meditate with a guided meditation (if I had to listen to my own inside voice I’d go nuts but listening to someone else helps), I try to help someone else (like now, I got on here because I was feeling awful and crying and throwing out a life line and feeling connected to other people suffering sometimes helps), I try to imagine if I did go through with it what would that be like for those around me, especially my husband, mother and daughter, then I try to just give myself small goals like making it 10 minutes or 30 minutes or until tomorrow. You are an important person, you mean something to those around you, and yes the world would go on without you in it but it would be a darker and colder place without you. You may not realize or think it but you bring meaning and happiness to those around you just by being here so continue to be here not just for you but for others. I can’t tell you when but I know if you keep going, keep breathing, things will get better.

[Hidden in reply to brandalina]

I am trying to make small goals for today too and am only trying to focus on today. Your response was a great encouragement to me.

[Math55 in reply to brandalina]

Thank you, Brandalina, your message truly helped.

[SuZQ154]

Glad you are posting! You are seeking help which is a very positive step!! As a retired teacher, I might have a similar personality to yours so you may relate to what I do. I have found ROUTINE helps me. Starting the day with devotionals, followed by exercise, and then making my to-do list keep me focused on moving forward. Following the list throughout the day, eating well, talking to friends, allowing myself to relax in the evening and NOT watch too much news, and having a nighttime routine also keep me calm and more positive. Hope this helps, my friend.