Worries with corona and asthma!

[Robynfaal]

Hello!

I am hoping to get some advice. I am 25 years old and I would rate my asthma as being mild, I never really use my blue inhaler. When I was younger my asthma was much worse as I did not keep on top of taking my preventer, I would suffer with chest infections and general breathlessness. Now however I have no trouble with my asthma I would say for the past 1-2 years it’s been quite good in fact! I go for jogs most days and keep healthy. I am still however feeling very nervous due to the virus, I am training to become a veterinary nurse and I am unsure when I will be going back into work and it’s triggering my anxiety. My mother who I live with is extremely high risk as she suffers with sarcoidosis, aspergillosis and diverticulitis. Naturally I’m more worried for her more than myself. Is there any tips you guys can give me for how to cope with worry!

Thank you x

[MTKing]

Hi after reading your symptoms or hardly any, try not to worry . Just follow the government guidance of social distancing, staying at home and only go out if necessary. Wash hands more often.If you are needing your blue inhaler more ofter, step up, ask for a brown inhaler.

[Robynfaal in reply to MTKing]

thank you, I feel better already with everyone’s responses I will keep going with my routine! Keeping my hands as clean as possible and keeping my distance.

[twinkly29]

Anxiety is awful and, no matter what anyone says, it's extremely hard to just "stop worrying", so you have my sympathies there.

Asthma wise, things do sound really well controlled and have been so for some time so, although they would class you as moderate risk because you have asthma, I imagine it would be at the lower end of the things.

I would suggest ensuring continued frequent 20 second handwashing and maintaining 2m between you and others, colleagues, owners etc, where possible. I realise this isn't always possible but at times it will be. Then, to protect your mum, changing clothes on arriving home (perhaps even a different set before leaving work too) and showering etc when you get home.

The Calm app looks quite good for anxiety and I've heard good things about Headspace too. If it helps I suspect most people will be anxious about going back to work so do share your fears with work - you won't be the only one and not only might you then help others, but work might be able to use the heads up to plan things or be extra cautious.

[Busterrusty in reply to twinkly29]

Iam extremely anxious which is effecting mu asthma if I do lots of breathing exercises it does help have not used blue inhaler for a few days take brown one twice a day stay safe keep well

[twinkly29 in reply to Busterrusty]

Glad you've had a calmer few days. Definitely keep up with the brown inhaler and if the breathing exercises are helping too that's brilliant. I guess if they are it's likely anxiety at that moment, but if they're not then that's the time to use your blue inhaler.

[Robynfaal in reply to twinkly29]

That’s great advice! For sure coping can be difficult and I feel better hearing from someone who understands

I will have a look at this app and maybe that can help me too!

Thank you

[Dachshund1]

I agree with what twinkly 29 says you need to keep your nerves or stress levels under control or anxiety, the stress and anxiety affects my asthma a lot ,you seem to have your asthma well controlled, keep up your exercises, breathing exercises to helps,the current situation is very hard for everyone

ar the moment keep to the rules I’m sure you will be fine, good luck with your training,

[Robynfaal in reply to Dachshund1]

Thank you for your response, I appreciate it as it definitely helps with all the anxiety

Stay safe too!

[SusW55]

Hi there, It’s completely understandable you’re feeling more anxious in amongst everything that’s going on right now. I’m a children’s counsellor - one thing I’ve noticed in the young people I work with is that working on acceptance and focusing on positives is helping a little. So it’s ok to acknowledge that this is a tough time, that things feel scary. You can’t control the world outside but you can control what you do and how you react. Focus on the positives first - your asthma is controlled, you are fit and well right now, you are in a good place to cope if you did catch COVID19. You can boost that even more by eating and sleeping well if you can, and following guidelines about distancing etc. You can find ways to stay strong and work with the anxiety rather than push against it, which creates stress. People with asthma can and are surviving this illness. Be kind to yourself, you’re managing better than you might think you are.

There’s some good support info here that might be of help: mind.org.uk/information-sup...

[Robynfaal in reply to SusW55]

Great advice thank you! I have been trying to keep on top of my exercising and eating healthy so I’m hoping that makes a difference and yes you’re right, I’m happy my asthma is under control at this time. I will check that website out! Thank you and stay safe x

[PaulRosedene]

Have you thought about trying meditation to ease anxiety ? There are many types of meditation.

[Robynfaal in reply to PaulRosedene]

I haven’t actually thought about this, I

Will look into this as it may be of some help. Exercising helps my mood so perhaps that would too! Thank you stay safe

[Clareykc2 in reply to PaulRosedene]

Limehouseyoga.com are doing a free weekly meditation online which a friend said helped calm his anxiety. I haven't tried it.

[PaulRosedene in reply to Clareykc2]

It would be worth a try and may help with stress, anxiety and general well-being.