Anxiety

[LozzieC]

Hi,

A few weeks back I was downgraded from shielding to moderate risk. The problem is I still haven’t been outside I’m just too anxious, not really sure how to break the cycle...

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi. Sorry to hear this

Try to take it one step at a time. If today you can stand on your door step, tomorrow try the end of the drive. Then try the end of the street etc etc etc. Maybe drive to somewhere more remote so you can get used to being outside.

If you need the confidence boost you can wear a mask (if lungs allow it) or gloves or take antibac wipes/gel out with you. If you live with someone go out with them. Whatever gives you confidence.

You don’t have to jump into the deep end, you don’t have to go I to shops/meet with people of you’re not comfortable yet. But take your time and grow your confidence. And remember it’s ok to feel nervous, but follow social distancing and you should be ok

Good luck and I hope this helps

[sesorenotseht in reply to EmmaF91]

Some great advice on that reply Emma

[Hidden]

Hi , sorry to hear you are struggling and feeling anxious. Go at your own pace and break it down into little steps and slowly build up your confidence.

May I ask who downgrounded you ?

Hope you find a balance you feel comfortable with.

[LozzieC in reply to Hidden]

My gp

[Hidden in reply to LozzieC]

Sorry to be nosey , wondering if I can be downgraded.

Good luck x

[watergazer in reply to LozzieC]

Me too . I have started to venture out from my house. Half way down the road . Then to the end. Then to the track and eventually a 10 min walk. Most of the time no one about. I went on a 3 mile walk with my daughter and her dog the other evening along tracks- a few people about but all kept their distance. Even walked to the local town to the chemist and went into a shop to buy 1 thing though wasn't too happy about people just loitering over what to buy and had to keep back a bit and then run. Still getting home deliveries though . Stay safe and do what you can to ease yourself back. x Anita

[madonbrew]

Hi,

It must feel scary being removed from shielding list. I know I would struggle with that.

I went for my first walk the other day. I live somewhere quite remote though, so went for a walk in the forest a few minutes drive away. There was nobody else there at all...just me& my mum& it was beautiful and nice to get out.

I don’t know how old you are or who you live with, or where you live, but maybe there’s some where near you that you know could be be really quiet? Emma F91 has some good tips of just doing it step by step.

Take care,

Dee

[Thomas45]

I know how you feel. I am self-isolating because I consider myself to be vulnerable, not because I've been told to isolate. Today is my 77th day. I have recently driven but not got out of the car. I have plenty of gardening to do at home but couldn't do any last week because of the heat and so far it's been too cold this week. My vets want me to take one of my cats for her annual check-up, but I don't want to go anywhere until the 12 weeks is up. And then it will be small steps for me.

[sesorenotseht]

I've had to return too work recently and the anxiety whilst there is through the roof

[LDloveslattecoffe]

Check with GP/Hospital as according to Asthma UK - 1st June the shielding criteria is still the same so check why they have taken you off.

Everyone here has given good advice about anxiety. The anxiety forum might have more specific ideas. Note Emma Kenny - psychologist (been on ITV's this morning) has sessions on her facebook re mindfulness and anxiety and relaxation.

There are some really good apps out there too i.e. Calms and Headspace.

Please remember that even if you have been removed from the shielding list and may have had the NHS parcel stopped you can still get parcels through local council hubs and volunteers and you are still allowed to use you supermarket priority slots so you can still avoid the shops.

Morrisons - don't need to be shielding - As a way of helping those who are self-isolating, vulnerable and not able to visit a shop, we've created our Morrisons Doorstep Delivery service to bring your shopping to you.

Asda too - don't need to be long term shielding say - Cupboard fillers right to your door

Packed with your favourite cupboard fillers, perfect for replenishing stocks without needing a trip out. Ideal for those who are self isolating. Don’t forget you can order on behalf of someone else.

Order by 5pm for next day delivery by our courier.**

You can still order a lot of things from the internet avoiding shops.

You can AVOID crowded areas like shops.

Can you avoid public transport i.e. walk/cycle/ go by car? Again you will be avoiding crowded areas.

So long as you keep the social distance and wash hands/use sanitiser regularly you will be ok?

Take short walks.

Coming off Shielding are you being asked to go back to work? If so talk to Occupational Therapy

[LozzieC in reply to LDloveslattecoffe]

Hi, they kept changing the criteria for asthmatics at first my GP said 100% must shield no doubt about it then a month or so later GPs were checking their list and I got a call out of the blue telling me I’d been downgraded according to latest guidance on who should shield!

As for work I’m lucky we are all working from home and due to the whole company globally having to take a 20% pay cut until October my manager isn’t making any of our team go back to the office. I’d be last back anyway even without the shielding letter. I was one of the first sent home too my work are amazing!

[LDloveslattecoffe in reply to LozzieC]

Asthma Uk - shielding criteria at 1st June is same as earlier it says

Who should be shielding?

The decision to shield is a deeply personal one, and it’s your choice whether you choose to shield or not. If you decide not to shield, the NHS recommends discussing your decision with your GP or hospital clinician.​

In England, the NHS now say that you would be in the shielding group for asthma if ALL THREE of these things apply to you:

You have asthma, AND

You are taking certain extra controller medicines as well as a preventer inhaler (for example, you are taking Montelukast, salmeterol or formoterol, or you are on a combination inhaler like Seretide, Fostair, Symbicort, Flutiform, Fobumix, DuoResp Spiromax, Combisal, Sereflo, Sirdupla, Aloflute, AirFluSal, Relvar Ellipta, Fusacomb or Stalpex), AND

You are taking continuous or frequent oral steroids.

The British Thoracic Society also says that you are at very high risk if:

You are taking a biologic therapy for severe asthma.

Across the four nations, the criteria for shielding are very slightly different.

Read more about criteria in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

[LDloveslattecoffe in reply to LozzieC]

Glad to hear you work has been great.

Hope the apps mentioned can help and follow Emma Kenny on facebook - does live sessions that can help