Everyone knows what's happening here. The whole world. I DON'T WANT THIS TO BE A POLITICAL POST. I am shaken as are all Americans. This is not the country I knew. First COVID, then new strains easier to catch. I'm struggling to decide if I should get vaccinated because of my autoummune illness. My doctors have differeing opinions. I've been putting things into perspective and managing to put focus on gratitude for all the wonderful things in my life. Then yesterday happened and everything has come to the surface.
It's really difficult to manage stress at the moment. It's even stressful trying to manage knowing my physical condition gets worse with anxiety. I'm in flares now with that awful fatigue that autoimmune patients are so familiar with. Yesterday I began to feel worse and I'm just looking for any words of wisdom you guys might have.
Again, not political. Please don't let this become a political argument. I just want support. I'm simply overwhelmed. TIA
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lovemydoggy
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Hi lmd. Try not to worry - I don't know what your autoimmune condition is but I have one too and stress is not good for it at all, as you already know. You could try not listening to any news, that way you probably wouldn't get so uptight. Play some nice music or listen to a chat show on the radio - anything to take and keep your mind off of it. You can't change it so for your health's sake, try ignoring it (easier said than done I know). All the best. xx
Thanks, good advice. I'll try that. It's hard to do. I diconnect and an hour later more awful things have happened. You're right though. I can't fix anything.
My lovely, you wont get a political argument to your post, worry not, politics and religion are a NO NO on the HU community..... stay strong, take care and stay safe..... we are all here for you.... just shout out.👍🙂🌹
i AM you. i've been ranting and railing for over 4 years - and the last 1 year - i found new levels of anger induced toxicity!!!! yesterday i posted my rant - both about the situation in the world; as well as the difficulty some members experience in trying to openly discuss here.
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i know "i'm singing to the choir"... but as you well know - it doesn't hurt to hear it again.
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stress is the foundation of sooo many of our problems, both physically and mentally. it worsens everything. especially anxiety and autoimmune issues.
number 1 best scientifically proven tool to fight stress - meditation. there's tons of vid's out there on how-to meditate. i also posted a 'how-to' here... healthunlocked.com/anxiety-...
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LMD - you are not alone!! not alone in your isolation; not alone in your outrage; ... in your disgust; ... in your dismay. everyday for me is an experience in dis-confirmed reality. i suspect you know what i mean.
the problem [IMHO, as i see it] is that society's definition of 'normal mental health' has been stolen and is in the possession of madmen. i am discovering people hiding out in places for mental health - and i'm finding them to be the most sane people i've known. the most self-aware. it's the 'new-normals' out there - that are in SERIOUS need of mental health, and don't know it!
listen to some of the voices here... there's shockingly still people in the world that give a crap about others, and are able and willing to dole out kindness, and love of fellow human.
Btw, I agree about mental health. I have anxiety and bipolar disorder (managed and completely stable) and facilitate a support group. I often joke that it's unfortunate we get the label, but so many people are "crazy". Some of the wisest and empathetic people I know have a mental disorder. They are among some of my best friends.
the "mentally ill" are the sanest! while the supposed "mental healthy" are just in denial!!
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i think that's evidence of the validity of the dunning kruger effect !!!
Hi there
I know what you mean about the news. What I'm doing is trying my upmost to ignore any bad news, I'm focussing on the good news ie. the vaccinations. My daughter's not had any notification about her youngest one not having the jab, little one us on immuno suppressants, the first jab is not a live vaccine.
Yes, I think probably focusing on gratitude is best for me. These things are not under my control. Good point about vaccines. I do have control over that. I want to research more. I can do that, try meditation and watch some comedy while I'm feeling rough. Thanks for your reply!
No words of wisdom I'm afraid, to add to those already given, but sending you huge virtual hugs! I'm feeling completely overwhelmed also, after watching your news as it all unfolded, so can only imagine how you're feeling! My RA is not liking it at all. And then the whole debate over which vaccine is suitable for us on immunosuppressants, it's enough to make you blow your top!
It's all been said, stress is our enemy, you could try meditation, a walk outside if you could manage it, but I really hope you can find a way to switch off for a little while at least, easier said than done I know! All the very best. Xxx
Hello, You are certainly not alone in this. My husband and I try to just carry on, enjoy hobbies and one-anothers company, but some days everything seems quite overwhelming.Never did anyone imagine that the world would be hit by something like Covid, nor that a virus could effectively shut things down for so long. And I don't think governments, or people, have reacted well to it so the numbers keep soaring. I so feel for the medics, doctors, nurses and ancillary staff, they must be at the end of their tethers. We do seem to have light at the end of the tunnel, with the vaccine. And while I appreciate that you may have an issue if most people are vaccinated you will be safer. Let us hope it is truly successful.
As far as the political situations, in the US and UK, go I think we are all becoming more and more divided. Left versus right, old versus young, black versus white. And I think it serves our politicians to stir that up. What we need is a sensible middle ground that recognises the rights, and the responsibilities that accompany those rights, of everyone. I hope the US has reached a turning point with the new president, and just hope the final days until he takes office are not too troubled.
But the UK has four more rocky years ahead, I am English living in Spain, is it political to say that I believe the UK has just committed an act of self destruction, and hope that my friends, including all here, do not suffer too badly from it?
Unusually for Spain this is the second day of grey skies, constant rain, and its cold. That doesn't help.
But let us all hope, and look forward to, better times. And continue to support one-another.
Well said. Sensible middle ground is much needed. Here, and in your country as well. It's been a very strange time. Now here we are with a pandemic. The vaccinations will be rolling out more quickly. The light at the end of the tunnel is there. I'm most worried about the vaccination because of my mother. She has Myesthenia Gravis and I don't think she'd survive the virus. My parents and grown son (living with me) have had our own bubble since March. They live across the street. I don't know if her doctor will recommend it for her. He's undecided yet. As for me I have some form of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis flaring now due to stress, I'm sure. Though my age and autoummune underlying condition are a concern I think I need the vaccine. I don't know if I could handle knowing I infected my mother. I've seen her illness exacerbated seriously this last year. My dad will take the vaccine as soon as he can. My son will have to wait as he is young and healthy. Doctors are divided, at least here, on whether people with autoummune conditions should have the vaccine as it hasn't been tested in our population. Anyway, that's my vaccine stress. My gut feeling on this is I'd personally be better off with it. One doctor I have agrees, while the other is more cautious. Nothing is simple is it? 🙄
I know between now and the 20th we are in a nail biting situation in the US. Even the staunchest Trump supporter knows, I'm sure , we are in a period of uncertainty where things could go badly. All I'll say regarding this is Trump is an individual with mental health issues. To try and preempt political anger I add this: I am a retired mental health therapist so I do know from years of experience and study this is the case.
Hi I too was upset to see this as with everything going on at the moment.A song popped into my head that I had not heard of for a good few years so I asked Alexa (a present from my son trying to drag me into 21c) to play it for me, Lois Armstrong What a wonderful world.it was so calming and sent me into another world. I have played it a couple of times now. I’m sending you love and hugs.x
I so understand how you feel, everyone likes to be proud of the place you live. I would be devastated if this happened in Britain, peoples choices of how they live often surprise me. But this is not what you expect in a democratic country. I am so sorry you can't get straight yes or no from the medical people. I am sure you make the right decision for you. My thoughts and prays are with you and your countrymen and women. Stay strong and safe. Mags
America is an embarrassment right now. never thought I'd see this. We'll emerge from the rubble in the end.
Jeez, as I was about to hit reply I heard the words "There is concern about a fast spreading variant in the US" Maybe time to change the channel. 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
After reading this I thought I’d do a lab report for you, here is the newest member of my family, Kevin Bacon. Retired into the first lockdown in the uk and still getting used to the cabin fever that we all live in now.Keep well and safe.
From such a cute puppy he becomes a holy terror at night. But he’s part of the pack now, can’t imagine how big he will be as his paws are huge. I’ll post pupdates from time to time.😀
As difficult as these times are it is important that we seek out the goodness and kindness in humanity. It is way too easy to become fixated on the what has become the worst of us. Love and understanding will certainly Trump hate and misinformation. Have faith and look for the light. There is a lot of good out there. Tony
I love the US and lived there for a while. What a terrible situation. I have CLL and my oncologist has definitely recommended that I get it. Take care. X
The whole covid thing has been politicized, so no worries there. There are a lot of us who have non-existent immune systems and are getting conflicting information on whether or not to get the shots. In summery doctors don't know. It is well known that the shots may well not do us any good. I have been doing the wash hands, use sanitizer, avoid crowds and wear masks long before covid was ever heard of. My wife just had her second shot yesterday and doing fine. I will get my shots when they become available to high risk group. I am not a doctor, but it is my understanding that the first shot is reduced dose and second shot is full dose. I think reduced shot is to determine if you will have adverse reaction, then second shot if every thing ok. This is just my opinion. Blessings.
I'm on hydroxychoroquine, which my doctor said changes the immune system, but doesn't suppress it. She said no one knows how it works. So with that bit of info I'm thinking I should have an immune respone to the vaccine???? Or possibly less????? Or possibly too much resulting in more autoimmune disease?????? Basically, I have no idea. I've heard all these and am completely confused. Oh my, I just turned 60 and I think I've never been more confused in my life about everything. And to my knowledge I still have an intact brain. 😂😂🤣🤣
Ah, words of wisdom...so sad that if the name and reputation of a wise man was mentioned here I could be banned. Ironic that said wise man foretold each and every situation we find ourselves in. All the actions and attitudes of people was described in detail.
What did he say about anxiety? Basically, one day at a time.
It's not about "religion" which can be a snare.
This wise man gave a basis for comfort and hope. (I could quote many)
I haven't written here too much, but have been truly rattled by all that is going on these sad days. I do hold onto the belief that 2021 will be a better year in so many ways - the best being that I will get to see my kids (!? 38 and 34) again as it has been a long while in isolation. Please know -as other responses have so beautifully written-you are not alone in being concerned with all that is happening. But, please join me and others, in a firm belief that better days are not too far into the future. As I look out my gloomy window, I know the sun will shine again soon. PS: love my dogs, too - don't know what I would do without them!Best Wishes!
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For all us North Americans out there
Would really like to say Thanks to 2 extra Special People. They never gave up on me,.even though I felt like I couldn't be bothered.Thankyou
What's anyone done today 
Friday rambling