COVID and Post COVID Anxiety

[troublesleeping22]

Hi All,

I have suffered from Generalised Anxiety and Panic Disorder for around 17 years. I have probably had about three periods during this time where it has been very difficult, though I feel like the past 6 months have been the hardest.

I moved from Australia to Jakarta, Indonesia in November, which caused me huge anxiety about contracting COVID and not being able to access appropriate medical care. Over time the anxiety faded somewhat, though it has returned with a vengeance since I tested COVID positive 10 days ago.

I spent three days checking and recording my temperature, oxygen saturation and Peak Flow every 30 minutes (including during the night), terrified that I would have to be admitted to hospital (I am 33 years old, but have asthma and have a history of smoking).

I tested negative this morning, and a follow up doctors appointment today confirmed that my lungs are clear, though I have had horrible breathing related anxiety for the past few days.

I have had three nights where it feels like my body forgets to breathe as I am falling asleep and then I wake up gasping for breath in a panic attack. Then last night I woke up at 4am with a panic attack, which I had convinced myself was an asthma attack linked to the COVID. My overall anxiety level has been extremely high too, which causes my vision to get blurry and I get eye floaters.

I knew as soon as I tested positive ten days ago that the anxiety was going to be the worst part of the Omicron experience, but it doesn't make it any easier knowing that, since I know I am in for a pretty unbearable few weeks ahead while I deal with it.

[Deligirl]

Hi, I got Covid too and the anxiety surround it was worse than the infection. I spent most days worrying that the congestion that I felt in my upper respiratory would move down to my lungs and cause me not to be able to breathe. I get the health anxiety associated with Covid but also the move itself to Jakarta comes with its own amount. Of anxiety. I moved from one island to the next in 2016 and I had a full on anxious episode. I hope you’re gonna be ok. Stay strong,