Covid anxiety after vaccination

[Redwod]

Hi everyone, this is my first post. I am in my 60's with health anxiety which has gotten so much worse this last year with covid. I mostly stayed home with my husband and didn't interact with others. I am fully vaccinated as of a few days ago but still feel so much fear about going out into the world again or even taking a walk around my neighborhood. Any suggestions on how to work through this fear?

[Opportunity]

Baby steps. Welcome to the forum! I think taking small steps and rewarding yourself for those achievements is a good way. Maybe leave the house and walk to the mailbox. Then, take a break, have a tea or drink you enjoy. Then walk to the end of the street, come back, relax. Wait awhile, celebrate by saying, “Whoo I am gaining confidence here!” That sort of thing. 🤗🤗🌈. Congrats on the vaccine!!

[Redwod in reply to Opportunity]

I appreciate the advice. I'll try to take small steps each day..

[Weatherwoman in reply to Opportunity]

Great advice, thx.

[lillyofthevalley37]

Hi Redwood fear is not a good state of mind , it makes you weak and vulnerable?

I suggest you switch off your tv for most of the day maybe put the news on at 6 or 9pm

You could have easy listening music on your radio during the day

fear isn't helpful especially if you have health anxiety , experience and observe your health without fear - it can be done,

[Veteran250]

Hello Redwod...... I understand your nervousness...... I have been self isolating for going on fourteen months, had both vaccine jabs, and need to go out, but I think the easing of lockdown is to early for my liking.

May I suggest you have a slow walk around the local area to you, late in the evening before it gets dark, or early of a morning, but take a mask with you, for a feeling of safety.... hope this helps

Take care and stay safe🙂

Don🙂🌈

[Redwod in reply to Veteran250]

Thank you, it helps to know I'm not the only one feeling this way.

[Veteran250 in reply to Redwod]

There are many my lovely, but some are reluctant to voice they’re fear, as you were, but now you are with friends here who will encourage you.......so welcome to our friendly community🙂🌈

[Redwod in reply to Veteran250]

I am grateful for your kindness and support. 😊

[Shnookie]

Hi this is Shnookie. Welcome 🙏 to the group. I’m here 4 U. It’s understandable how U R feeling. But people in n this group R giving U great tips. When U go outside, breathe in the fresh air. Also check in with your doctor to see if your meds might need to be tweaked. Giving U hugs 🤗 M

[mommala]

I have the opposite. I am 62 and after a year working in schools with so little support and covid protection I am resigning in June. and now that I am double vaccinated and not scared to go to school I am totally depleted depressed and anxious so am not going outside like I should. The research is very positive that we are protected now so little trips and congratulating yourself makes sense to me. I hope I can start doing that too.

[Redwod in reply to mommala]

I was also a teacher years ago and it broke my heart to see how little support teachers were getting during this time. If I was still teaching I would have also had to quit. I guess we all just need to be kind to ourselves and know we are doing the best that we can right now.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Redwod]

Teachers really had it tough. One of my daughters is a teacher. The stress level has been very difficult.

I had a hard time re adjusting to life post closure and vaccine. I did go to work through the lockdown etc but getting out socially was a bit difficult. I've just been taking it slow like others have suggested.

Short trips out will eventually lead you to a level of greater comfort.

This is a very common issue right now. Take your time and be gentle with yourself.

Welcome to the group

❤️🐬

[Redwod in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you, I'm more hopeful I'll feel more at ease with time. This is such a kind group 🙂🌻

[mommala in reply to Redwod]

Yes i am so impressed with this group.

[mommala in reply to Redwod]

Thanks for such a supportive reply.

[HopeandOptimism]

I am so so sorry. This is hard and you are not alone! Isolation often leads to more self-isolation. We never feel like it is safe to be back to our lives as we knew them. Be gentle with yourself. Take small steps....go outside your door for a time, walk to the end of the driveway or street and return. Give yourself small victories. Maybe invite a friend to be outside for a cup of coffee. If this seems much too hard, it might be worth considering speaking to a counselor who can help you through your fears and anxieties step by step and get you to a place where you feel more assured and prepared to resume daily life. Again, know that this is a very normal response to many from the devastating physical and emotional fallouts of the pandemic. I wish you the best.

[Redwod in reply to HopeandOptimism]

Thank you for these helpful suggestions. I have been going outside more these last couple of days. Today I went for a drive with my husband, although I was anxious it felt good to get out. I know the more I do the easier it will get. Baby steps for me.

[Weatherwoman]

I feel like I wrote this -- I just got my second vaccine (three days ago), and thought I would feel less anxiety re. going out, etc. Nope, still feel A lot of anxiety especially hearing about the Delta var. and other var., and telling us to keep wearing masks, etc. Have health anxiety, OCD, generalized anxiety, Panic D. Since last March, Pandemic has my anxiety rived up (living with a very ill Sig. Other which, of course, causes more anxiety). I HATE being So fearful & would like suggestions from others to be less fearful. I am in my 70's with underlining health issues, too! Have had lots of therapy --helped a little!

[Redwod in reply to Weatherwoman]

I totally understand how you feel. I had begun to feel better and more hopeful, but now with the new Delta and numbers increasing I am feeling more fearful and depressed again. I wish I could be more helpful, but just know your not alone. Sending you hugs. 🌻

[Weatherwoman in reply to Redwod]

Knowing I'm not alone helps, yes! It's So sad all over our globe. I feel very badly for the children & young people who have to contend with this in their young lives. Thanks for the hugs! Keep in touch -- hoping for better days...