Concern for the elderly

[Roukaya]

I hope everyone is able to cope with the Coronavirus

I am on my own and the site had been supportive to me in managing my anxiety levels

I am on my own in U.K. and my Mother lives overseas

I have cared for an elderly Father and now my anxiety is making me very worried for my Mother who lives overseas

The first few cases of Coronavirus have been detected in Mauritius and now I am very fearful for my Mother as she is 72 years old

I have always put the health and welfare of my elderly parents before my own and even at the age of fifty my pattern of concern does not diminish

Now as I try to make sense of my own life I struggle with concern and fear about my Mother

We are both apart as she lives in Mauritius and I am in UK

Every time I try again the worries of my parents take priority of my own life

Very hard to cope mentally at times

[Jumpey]

Hi Roukaya,

I think this global challenge is bringing out anxiety in us all.You're not alone in that. Try to stay focused on one day at a time.Lots of self care.Do things that give you pleasure. Have a walk. In nature.Count your blessings. Connect with friends .There are lots of Facebook Covid 19 support groups based in local communities. I have set one up for my own.See if you can find one. Don't constantly listen to the news.I totally understand your fears for your mother.Does she have support where she lives?Is she able bodied? If so it is likely she will be ok.Focus on the fact that 80 thousand people have recovered from it.I posted on Facebook yesterday the story of an 87year old woman who had recovered in Italy. This will pass and we'll get through by pulling together. Sending love.xxx

[Roukaya in reply to Jumpey]

Dear Jumpey

Thank you for your kind words of advice

[Nuttycatlady]

Hi Roukaya. I understand a little of how difficult it is when the people we love are far away and we can't look after them. My children both live in cities and my daughter is having to self-isolate at present, so we can't see either of them. It must be even more worrying when your elderly mother is so far away. Do try to go out and enjoy the sunshine, any exercise is very good for stress. Keep in touch with friends by post or email. Keep posting on this forum as there are some lovely, caring people who will reply. Jumpey is right, this will pass, and we'll get through it with support from each other. Best wishes from Anne x

[Roukaya in reply to Nuttycatlady]

Good morning

Thank you for being kind enough to answer the post

I only have an elderly Mother who lives overseas

I am an only child with no family or friends in Uk

I should try not to think of the worst case scenario and I should try to study and eventually apply for a years work experience

I think to use our time for rest and doing things we have neglected

I had to go out for food groceries yesterday as I live by myself

My little social activities of going to the gym are now off

So I find the isolation to be even harder

My neighbours are selfish and have shown no concern for me as they are aware I live by myself

So I turn to others just to be able to talk