started to feel better, now anxious again

[Daisy425]

I was starting to feel better today until I saw on the news this morning that Norovirus is high in my area of the US. I am a teacher and around kids. I hand sanitize like crazy. I came into school and heard two teachers were out with the stomach bug and started spiraling. I haven’t had a stomach bug since I was a kid, and now I feel like I’m bound to get it because it’s been so long. I feel like I’m going each day waiting to get it, which is just making me more anxious and feel worse. How do I live without this fear? I’m scared that at any moment I’ll just throw up.

[Thankfulforhelp22]

I heard about this and had concern as well. I mean the symptoms - yuck!

Worry is not your friend. Take common sense precautions, be consistent with them and live your life. Don’t make yourself miserable while you await for something that may never happen.

Praying for your wellness and god bless our good teachers who care.

[Daisy425 in reply to Thankfulforhelp22]

Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers I greatly appreciate it

[punkster]

Daisy, I'm with you when it comes to health anxiety. I started getting anxious when I heard about norovirus going around, too. However, I am just getting over an upper respiratory infection with a lingering cough. The point of this is that I am GETTING OVER it. The reality of the situation is that people have been getting sick since the beginning of time. This will never change. Covid set off my health anxiety. My husband reminds me that I got sick before Covid, and that I will continue to get sick, it's part of life. Norovirus is self-limiting and if you catch it, you will be miserable for a few days and then be better. It helps me to put things in perspective when it comes to catching a virus. Continue to practice hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands. Norovirus is usually spread through direct contact- caring for a sick person, sharing utensils or towels with them. As the other poster said, worrying won't do you any good.

[Daisy425 in reply to punkster]

I tell myself these things but am still so anxious about it. A teacher came in and said that she had noro and couldn’t control everything that was happening and it was terrible and miserable. It scares me. I text my dad a lot which is great I have him as a support system and he says I need to reach out to my psychiatrist but I don’t think meds are going to help. I take 225 of Zoloft and have for so long I don’t want to switch my medication. He also wants me to talk to my therapist about this which I already planned on doing. She is well aware of my fear. It just makes me feel embarrassed and like none of the progress I have made is recognized. It’s a terrible feeling

[Kayaker73]

Anxiety sucks the life out of us. I’m learning that techniques using our bodies can really help reduce anxiety. It sounds silly but actually humming can bring a sense of calm. There are other techniques too—like deep breathing….Yesterday I learned to ask myself 4 questions for every intrusive/fearful thought. They are:

1. Is this true now?

2. Is this thought helpful?

3. Is this thought appropriate to my circumstances now?

4. Is this though complete?

I hope that helps. Take care.