Virus anxiety

[Plantlover14]

I was doing pretty decent lately. Going to the gym has helped me tremendously! Whoever is reading this if you haven’t tried exercise, getting your heart rate up for at least 15-20 mins, I feel an instant calm when I’m done.

but then I got sick.

Anyone else out there where viruses are their trigger?

or has anyone else developed crippling anxiety after they had a virus or covid?

I originally got my crippling anxiety from a terrible virus I had last November. So no matter how good I’m doing I’ll get a virus and just sink back down to the bottom

It’s so beyond frustrating having these major setbacks.

I also just weaned off Remeron, maybe I’m getting withdrawals.

I was doing good with my supplement routine (vitamin d, theanine, magnesium glycninate and b complex) but I think I’ll try Effexor.

It’s been a year now of suffering from anxiety since that virus. Sometimes I’m so overwhelmed with helplessness since I try everything to feel better.

any encouragement is appreciated

[BlueAgave]

I can only imagine how you're feeling. I do get very anxious with any illness, but it sounds like you have really been through at tough time. You've gotten well before and I know you will again. I know it doesn't help, but each time you have a virus it helps your immune system become stronger. You will get through this. Keep hydrated and get a lot of rest. Feel better 🥰

[Plantlover14 in reply to BlueAgave]

thank you 💜

[Downinil]

Hi Plantlover14! I can relate to anxiety revolving around viral infections. It’s good that you are sharing your feelings on this. Please try not to worry about it too much bc that could weaken your immune system or so I’ve heard.

[NorwegianWood]

Isn't that confusing! I have experienced the benefits of exercise - even 30mins of walking, especially walking in nature. There's something about connecting with trees and soil, birds and vistas.

[punkster]

I developed anxiety over getting sick after the Covid pandemic. It's ridiculous because I've had Covid two times and recovered. I have had a few colds and a sinus infection in the last four years, and recovered and done fine. I still have an unreasonable fear of getting sick. When I get sick I just resign myself to the fact that I'm sick, and I don't have any lingering anxiety. I am kind of relieved because I know I'm unlikely to get sick in the near future. Try to keep that in mind when anxiety rears it's ugly head.

As far as the gym goes, I cancelled my gym membership during the pandemic and bought a treadmill and weights. I also have access to a pool. My working out is done at home because I feel like a gym is a cesspool for germs. That's just my opinion.

[Kinlay]

I think most of us have had our fear of sickness, especially viruses, ramped up since Covid. Having suffered debilitating Long Covid for almost two years post my initial infection, I still struggle with it as well. I do a few things to help manage that anxiety:

1. I get all the vaccinations I can! No matter what disinformation they put out, the simple fact is they DO greatly reduce the risk of severe (AKA hospitalization or death) illness. You may still get sick, but it will be MUCH milder than if you hadn't been vaccinated. My most recent Covid infection was a great example of this, and my doctor flat-out said, "You did yourself a great service by staying updated on your vaccinations."

2. I keep masks in my car and purse, and wear them when I feel anxious, am going in to a crowded store, or see/hear someone sick nearby. Again, they may not be 100% effective, but they DO cut down on the likelihood of catching a virus through the air. Even 30% effective is reduced risk!

3. I actively work to stay as healthy as I can with regular exercise. I try not to overdo, as that can trigger my LC and/or cause side effects, but I keep up as much as I can with weight training, yoga, and gardening.

4. When I start to feel iffy, I go back on the supplement cocktail that helped me recover from LC until I feel better.

5. I wash my hands frequently and use hand sanitizer when I can't.

Nothing is foolproof (as I said, I recently had Covid for the third time), but I do feel like I'm doing the best I can. I hope some of this helps you!