PTSD and Coronavirus

[Tylisha4]

I’m sure my immune system is bad from living with ptsd.

My body struggles to heal, kind of scary not knowing if my body has under laying issues.

At family members house and one member of the family is isolated for 14 days.

I start a new job Tuesday and today my ptsd is getting bad.

Feeling sick

[Nathalie99 Partner]

Hi Tylisha4,

I am not sure about the impact on immune system from PTSD but it does affect the body. I suspect it might be lower particularly from lack of sleep and high anxiety levels. I remember being physically ill from the impact of PTSD.

Comparing myself with my husband who is immunocompromised and in treatment, his immune system is really low compared to mine. I can get through any infection mostly without GP while my husband needs to be admitted to the hospital each time. This gives me perspective in my personal case.

I think that coronavirus has a big impact on PTSD as it can immediately trigger particularly any medical trauma. Then the isolation and feeling of helplessness is really adding on top if this.

I have had anxiety level rising recently and I don't sleep that well since a week or so. I am concerned about my husband and how to get through this with him having the highest risk.

It's really tough to have less social contact and have this invisible threat to fight at the same time.

Not knowing how the situation changes and what to do makes me feel unsafe. Things are changing daily.

I think it is very important to find ways to reduce anxiety to have higher chance to fight off the virus.

Any ways of getting through the isolation, fear and uncertainty that can positively impact our health are really important right now.

I am still going for walks just keeping distance. Fresh air and a bit of exercise helps.

I try to have as much sleep as I need.

I reduced reading stories about the virus from sensationalized media sites that later turn out to be not true.

I hope we can support each other through this and find ways to reduce anxiety and be less alone.