Anxiety in the current climate

[MK1973]

I am really suffering with what is going on in the world - it’s a horror film

I know we are all in same boat but I am just not dealing with it very well

I have never suffered anxieties but I cry every day and can imagine how mentally ill people feel and feel I may be going that way

Are there others in same boat? How are you dealing with it all?

Any advice on how to deal with this all would be very much he appreciated

Thank you

Be safe and be well

[hslawton]

Good morning MK1973

I really hope you are feeling a little better this morning! As you say, we are all in the same boat, but that doesn`t really help you when you`re not coping well.

It really does feel like having a nightmare that we can`t wake up from at the moment.

However, I`m sure you`re stronger than you think, and you will get through it. Try not to over-think (easier said than done, I know), and just try to get through one day at a time. If you can keep busy - baking, sewing, knitting - that will help you. Last weekend and the beginning of this week, I felt a bit overwhelmed like yourself, but I`ve managed to calm myself down and am just trying to keep busy.

We`ve never had to go through anything like this before, so we`re all having to find ways to cope. Try to not read too much online news and limit the programmes you watch which are focusing on the virus. A lot of it is very sensationalist and doesn`t help!

You will get through it and keep sane so please try to stay positive.

Sending you a big hug and I`m always here if you need a chat xx

[Janey453]

It's so hard isn't it? I've been getting very panicky too.

Things that are helping me are: camomile tea (very calming), 'Rescue Remedy' drops, breathing exercises (google them), keeping busy, not checking the news more than once a day, and taking one day at a time rather than overthinking everything and thinking too far ahead.

A few things for you try - hope they will help!

xx

[BadHare Ambassador]

There's a Covid-19 app that we can use to help monitor symptoms, &

also be of help for tracking the virus since the government aren't

bothered. Use it every day for reassurance & to help keep updates

accurate: covid.joinzoe.com/

I keep thinking it's like being in a zombie film, then pull myself together. Worrying & stress will affect my immune system negatively, so I'm trying to be kinder to myself, eat well including plenty of fresh fruit for vitamin C & lots of raw garlic. I'm following good news & science sources rather than the gutter press what's going on outside from a distance.

If you're finding it hard to relax, perhaps look up calming breathing exercises, & find a type that suits you. Have you tried yoga or Qi Gong (like Tai Chi but easier to start with). Look up EFT tapping technique for dealing with panic, or my favourite Acupressure site called Acutake. Are you able to go for a walk somewhere nice without coming in to contact with people? Can you phone or send live messages to friends to check they're ok? There are mindfulness apps that are now free, & groups like Frazzled holding vitual meetings that you could sign up to. Lots of women's & general health sites have current tips on coping with stress, fear, & depression.

Think of things you've been wanting to do at home for ages. I have no inclination to clean & tidy as I didn't inherit the gene for that, though do a couple of shelves with unread books, & more downloaded to read, a new CD just arrived & another on order. I swapped my internet telly type subscription details with friends so we can watch different stuff to distract us. Only thing I'm really missing from my usual routine is my doggie best friend who is probably missing me even more.

My friend sent me a video of someone making a face mask out of knickers which I think of every time I see a photo of someone in real safety mask. Silly, but amusing. Find something that makes you laugh, or talk to a friend who will cheer you up. Ask people to send you pictures of puppies. Promise yourself a big treat when this is over, or plan something nice with friends that you can all look forward to.

Here's some practical information from an interesting wesite: coronavirus-stats.live/info...

If you can, stay home & be safe. If you really need to go out take every precaution to keep your distance from others & follow the gudelines re good hygeine.

[Aquamonic]

Me too I’m getting so anxious my husband and I are over 70 and he has COPD so I am not going out other than to pick up prescriptions.

However I had to go to supermarket to buy bread and milk instead week and I’m petrified I could have caught it and will give it to my husband and he’ll die as some people weren’t following the 2 meter rule.

I’m also scared of deliveries etc. I get very weepy, shout at my husband and he gets cross at me.

We’re having trouble getting slots for online groceries, we have no family near us, friends are a bit of a distance away and it seems our neighbours don’t even know we’re here.

Sorry for going on but your not alone and the only one feeling the way you do, hopefully well all come out the other end in one piece