Anxiety of being alone with Coronavirus

[Roukaya]

Hello

Is there anyone worried about the onset of the Coronavirus?

I am on my own with no one in UK and it is at times like this my anxiety will give rise to sleeplessness and the start of IBS symptoms

[Laxmik]

Hi. I am on my own also in India without anyone and worry about falling ill.stress and anxiety trigger my ibs. But there is nothing to do. Can’t think like that all the time. Just follow the precautions for the disease. That’s the best we can do right now.

[Roukaya in reply to Laxmik]

Dear Laxmik

How are you

Thank you for answering my post

I find being alone with the onset of Coronavirus to be worrying

I wonder as you are based in India given the community, is there anyone you can turn to in India

I think as I live alone and looking for employment, I find I have so much time and this causes the anxiety

Thank you for telling me to me careful given the onset of Coronavirus

[Laxmik in reply to Roukaya]

Both my parents have passed away. My brother travels a lot for work and I am not married. So it is difficult. I work full time but my IBS cause problems now and then. So many times I find myself alone and not well. I must say my IBS is mild but I do get problems which I have to deal on my own.i do t have any community support either. No relatives I can go to support for expect my aunt. But she is 75 years old and a cancer patient. I have friends but all are busy at their jobs. Nothing much in terms of community support. My friends do give me support and comfort but most are busy. Can’t expect them to come. They have families also. Still I try to do the best I can. It gets lonely sometimes.

[Roukaya in reply to Laxmik]

Dear Laxmix

Thank you for reply

I am an only child and I lost my Father two years ago and I cared for him until he died

My parents separated many years ago and my Mother lives alone and she has many responsibilities

I have not worked as a result of caring for my Father

I studied law twenty years ago and since has gone I would like to become a Lawyer for the elderly

But I struggle to pass the exams and find practical training

This is why I question my life as I am based in UK and my Mother in Mauritius

It is hard to be lonely and I know few people in U.K.

I suffer from IBS when I am worried and also the diet plays a part

I read your earlier posts and the Menstrual cycle can make the IBS much worse

If I have a period this can bring about painful IBS

I am concerned with the Coronavirus and due to loneliness my Mother had intended to visit me next week but I have advised her to postpone her flight as this disease targets the elderly and vulnerable

I would be pleased to hear from you

kind Regards

[Laxmik in reply to Roukaya]

I also cared for my father for seven years before he passed away in 2014. I worked and looked after him. Now I work only for myself. I hope you can fulfill your desire to work as lawyer for elderly. That is such an awesome choice of career. Do t give up. Kept trying. It’s good you asked you mum not to travel right now. Postpone any travel for sometime. I would love to hear from you too. Please message me anytime you feel like talking.

[Roukaya in reply to Laxmik]

Dear Laxmik

Very nice to have received your message

I think it is always best to work for yourself

I think I would like to obtain the Diploma in Elderly Care Law but in UK given my absence in working it is very hard to obtain the one year’s practice experience

It is kind of you to talk and if you feel lonely given this Corona Virus I would be pleased to talk

[Roukaya in reply to Laxmik]

I hope your health improves

Without our health what can we do

Be kind and understanding to yourself

You did the best for your parents and eventually you will receive your blessings

[Laxmik in reply to Roukaya]

I do believe I have both my parents blessings as I have looked after both of them for long time. Mum not that long. Hopefully their blessings stay with me and improve my health. I went to see my gastroenterologist today. He started me on new course of medication and is prescribing a new diet also for me. So hopefully should see some improvements after this.

[Roukaya in reply to Laxmik]

Dear Laxmik

There are several factors which can cause IBS or other gastro intestinal problems

Diet and anxiety and stress can trigģer this

I have noticed when I start to become ill I will take herbal teas, eat proboitic yoghurt and I am prescribed Mebeverine

It is an illness which stems from the anxiety of the mind

I hopd you can see an improvement

Regards

[Laxmik in reply to Roukaya]

I hope so too. Stress is also a trigger for my IBS.

[Roukaya in reply to Laxmik]

Dear Laxmik

I was quite low this morning but talking helps a lot

I was able to do my prayers to give thanks for what we have

My problem is that i look at what I do not have instead of what I have

Very interesting to hear how you cope and manage your life despite being alone

I think in life we must always push ourselves to try and when I face set backs it is so easy to give up

Again I am always pleased to talk

[Laxmik in reply to Roukaya]

Yes I agree. I have been where you are. In fact I still feel like that sometimes especially when my ibs plays up. I think you just need to take each day as it comes. All of us have our own trails we go through. My brother is a very nice guy but for me he can’t sit home right. So I let everyone do their thing. I focus on what I need to do for myself. Again if you feel low I am always here to talk. Take care. And I hope all your worries work out eventually.

[Roukaya in reply to Laxmik]

Dear Lakmik

Thank you for your reply

I realise you have your own responsibilities and I understand we all have our trials to face

I think I must learn to cope with life day by day and try to make the best of my situation

I also understand that I should understand everyone has their own troubles to deal with

I expect I had to care for Dad during his last years end my Mother turns to me for support and understanding

I think I just feel tired as I find myself on my own

On one hand I will do my best for Mim but having cared for my Father on my own I find it hard to shoulder the second elderly parent

When I advised my Mother to postpone her journey I did not realise how sad this would make me feel

It is accepting where we are in life and I will try again

Thank you for listening

[Poppi2015 in reply to Roukaya]

I too am really scared about the coronavirus, I have a 20 year old daughter who is on the autistic spectrum and has ocd and many other anxieties and worries about illness. She has been suffering with ibs symptoms like severe mucus bowel movements, popping in belly lots of wind. She also has 17 month old son who has a bad chest. I feel like I’m alone and supporting her and i work full time as I’m a single parent.

[Roukaya in reply to Poppi2015]

Dear Poppi

Thank you for your reply

In my view it is a world wide virus which can touch anyone of us

Both there are other illnesses which are also detrimental to human life alongside this new virus

The Media is also alarming our fears and being a single parent is full of responsibilities but some matters we have no control over

All you can do is to to your best best and take your safety precautions

I suffer from fear and anxiety but thank you for replying to me

[Kniitter in reply to Laxmik]

Don't worry too much good handwashing I dryingI iwork in residential home also have health anxiety and other ailments but I go about day usual I'm off to Lincoln today birthday treat happy birthday to me were here for you enjoy life

[Roukaya in reply to Kniitter]

I wish you a very Happy Birthday

Thank you for your kind words

[torcol]

I am in the US and we are just in the beginning. It is spreading now and in 24 States. I have high anxiety also but I am otherwise healthy. Not a spring chicken, am 58 and think about that but can only hope I don’t get it. Not going out and staying at home, lots of hand washing and disinfecting is the best I can do besides not panic. This too shall pass in time, what will be will be so if it happens I will hope for the best. My best to you also!

[Roukaya in reply to torcol]

Dear Torcol

I hope you are well.

Thank you for message

I live alone and I am fifty years old

I think being by myself and after caring for an elderly parent , I now find myself alone

I struggle at times to cope as I have a Mother who lives permanently overseas

I thank you for saying this pandemic shall pass

But it is the fear end anxiety it can cause

Thank you for answer

[Kniitter]

By eayim 59

[Kim456]

Wow it is so heart warming to read these stories. I must say you are not alone...(as long as there is the Internet ), which will help people such as you and all of us connected to the world.

I Thought about coronavirus...in the Caribbean, also no large support system, caring for my family, it can be tough.

But I think doing what you are doing is important, reach out to us here....

I have learnt so much chatting with IBS network members and while I have not found the solution, your support is encouraging.

You will be okay .

[Roukaya in reply to Kim456]

Dear kim

I think just to be able to talk through our problems

I live such an isolated life that is why I lack the motivation to keep trying

I am torn with trying to find employment in a legal practice in order to start again or abandon my hopes and join my Mother in Mauritius

Very hard to keep trying when I see no answer

I was there for my Father, I am there for my Mother but how much can I take myself

Then i become tired and unable to study and apply for a Junior post in Wills and Probate

I hope you do not become bored with my talk

[Kim456]

You have to keep going...I have struggled with depression from the age of 14, it is a mental health issue which I have not received treatment for. I am an extremely self-aware of it. I know of the trauma, stress which makes it worse.

I have found that some days we spend so many hours looking out through a window of the approaching storm we forget there is a door behind us which leads to a sunny and serene grassy plain.

All storms will pass but you must be prepared to ride through them and deal with the aftermath.

[Roukaya in reply to Kim456]

Dear Kim 456

I thank you for your message earlier today

I think I have suffered from Depression again as a child and also I was the primary carer for my Father who is now gone

I find myself alone and I am based in UK and my Mother in Mauritius

She was due to come on Tues 17 but postponed due to the strict testing at Dubai

I have struggled to find employment in what I would like to do and also narrowly failed the Post Grad Exams

I have spent much of the last two years in Mauritius and whenever Mum needs support I just take the plane and go

I said to Mum earlier this year as I keep failing it is best I stay in UK to concentrate with the exams and to find a years work experience as I would like to work in Elderly Care Law

Having lost my Father two years ago I am

Very worried for my Mother

But your are tight a depressed mind cannot cope with such a huge change of events given the growth of the Corona Virus

I hope you are keeping well

[Roukaya]

Thank you

Very beautifully written

I can see that Depression I have suffered as a child can lead to paralysis with the onset of heightened fear and anxiety

Thank you very helpful

Hopefully I will message you later

Hope you are ok

[Mexfun]

If you are in good health, or, immune compromised, the coronavirus is no worse than the regular flu. Wash your hands lots stay away from crowds. Basically use common sense. Too many people believe they need to panic because others are panicking so there must be a reason, right? Don't be a sheep. I am also alone with no family close by.

[Roukaya in reply to Mexfun]

Dear Mexfun

Thank you for reply

My concern is not so much for me but my elderly Mother who lives alone in Mauritius

This is what caused me to be so agitated earlier today

I agree that I should not be a sheep in fact our religion teaches us that it is God who protects

Since I lost my Father two years ago I have been trying to find employment in legal practice and obtain a Post Graduate Diploma

I spent a great of time in Mauritius and as result of this I narrowly failed the exams and I am still seeking employment

Every time I am concerned about Mum I go over and I neglect my own aims

Thank you for listening

[majesticpinetree]

I am not alone but still have anxiety about the virus. The news media has done a great job of scaring us all. Praying that God comforts you and us all.

[Roukaya]

It is the loneliness and fear that worries me

[mantradonis]

Good Morning Roukaya. I just wanted to make a short comment if I may. I, personally, can relate to much of what you have written, its not easy, but you have done something that takes a lot of courage to do......you have reached out, you have been open and honest with what is happening in your life and you have begun the process of breaking down the walls that are holding you back, the walls that have made you feel fear, anxiety and lonely. This is a massive step, one that you should feel proud of achieving and now you need to follow your dream, believe in yourself and keep moving forward one step at a time. Take care and never give up.

[Roukaya]

Dear Mantadonis

Thank you for your kind words

I am trying despite marginally failing the Post Graduate Diploma and trying to find a work placement

But I have learnt given mental illness it can create a dark cloud over our perceptions

How we cope and manage is really dependent on our emotional state

I am trying but there are good days and bad days but I will try to believe that I can find a way ahead

Thank you for your kind reply and I hope you are coping with your life