Anxiety and Covid 19

[Sarahbelle]

Hi.

I am extremely anxious about the current covid pandemic.

Feel as though it is living in my brain but my body feels the symptoms.

It causes me such panic and terror and all consuming

Trying to challenge my thinking but ver hard.

Any one else feel this. Any advice appreciated.

Thankyou.

[missep123]

Hi gems and Sarahbelle,

I really see a lot of strength and growth from you both. I learn a lot from your insights. Acceptance is definitely something I need to work on too! All the news about coronavirus can be really exhausting.

I can relate to that Sarahbelle, the first step is always the hardest. The small steps all add up though! Before you know it, you have made progress. I think also considering the current situation you are looking after yourself and your mental health and that is super important.

Here for you guys!

[Sarahbelle]

Hi again,

I am trying so hard to keep my thoughts positive and hopeful but I am finding my mood is slipping and worries are creeping back. Covid numbers in Victoria are difficult to process and I am becoming more anxious especially when night starts to fall. My heart just feels heavy with all that is going on.

Thank you for listening to me,

Keep safe, Sarahbelle.

[uncut_gems]

Hi all,

I know what you mean Sarahbelle– I'm watching the news with trepidation, and this second wave does feel scarier than the first. I had been going back to work in my office but my university put out a strict new rule that all students abroad have to have no contact, so I'm back to WFH full time now. Very disappointing as it started to wear on me last time, and getting out during the day was doing good for my mental health, but I understand the need for the rule.

I downloaded a meditation app and have been having some success with it. Thinking of you in Victoria, and sending you all strength!

Warmly,

Gems

[missep123]

Hi gems and Sarahbelle,

It is a very uncertain time at the moment. The news can be a bit overwhelming sometimes with the constant updates about numbers. It's as if the world is holding its breath.

Be kind to yourselves and take care of yourselves! A meditation app sounds like a good idea Gems. I hope your dog can give you some comfort Sarahbelle!

Here for you guys!

[Sarahbelle]

Hi missep and Gems,

A windy day in Melbourne today and beginning to look gloomy outside. Not a bad day to stay indoors with a movie, crocheting and my very spoilt dog. This weekend may be the announcement of stage 4 restrictions or maybe not - just feels so surreal at times. Such mixed messages for schools but ultimately working on site or at home is up to the Principal's discretion which is crazy as they are not the health experts and many staff in schools feel pressured to comply. Will see my Dr next week and take her advice, currently would feel much safer working from home.

Gem's hope all goes well for you working from home and the meditation helps you. How is your new work going missep? give your little pug a pat from me.

Take care and wishing you only good thoughts,

Sarahbelle

[MrsE]

Hi all,

I am a teacher in NSW and the situation is looking to be getting worse quite quickly here... right when school is about to go back after school holidays. It is making me feel very anxious and I don’t know how I’ll be able to function properly and teach 30 kids face to face. I also have my own little family to worry about if I am to contract the virus. I really don’t know how I will I cope. I know a lot of strategies for coping with anxiety but I am not good at implementing them 😔

[uncut_gems]

Hi MrsE,

Welcome to the forums and to this thread– so good to have you here. My thoughts are with teachers and other school staff, who are being called upon to put themselves at risk to hasten the return of the workforce and get the economy going again. This is incredibly irresponsible in my personal opinion, though of course I understand it is a complex issue.

Do you have any insight into the safety measures that are being put in place for when you return?

In any case, you and your colleagues are being asked to do something extraordinary that is above and beyond your normal remit. Your students will remember the adults in their lives that kept them calm, busy, and educated during this scary time.

Maybe as a starting point, you could pick just one strategy and set a goal to do it a few times consistently? Always here to talk.

Warmly,

Gems

[Sarahbelle]

Hello Gems and missep and welcome Mrs E.

Mrs E as a teacher in Melbourne I understand your concerns and yes schools have become very different places than just a short while ago. A place that offered safety and predictability to staff and students now has been turned upside down and along with it the trust that held us. As Gems said about what safety measures are in place to protect you and all is very important for you to know and also know that they will be complied with. This may give you a little more confidence in returning. With a young family at home also check whether there may be some pastoral arrangements the school may be able to make eg. for flexible working arrangements/working at home.

Take care everyone and best wishes from Sarahbelle.

[missep123]

Hi everyone!

This year is such a weird year. On the bright side I've really seen a beautiful part of human connection where people really appreciate each other and want to support each other. I really see that here on the forums and on this thread as well. Anything that happens I am so glad that we have this thread to post on.

Sarahbelle- You remembered my pug! I will, she's a cheeky little monster. Always makes me laugh! Hope your weekend has been going well and my thoughts are with you with your current work situation. I am liking my new job! Relief! My coworkers are so friendly and I feel so supported. It's so nice not to dread working the next day.

MrsE- I am sending positive vibes your way! That is such a tough situation to be in. You and Sarahbelle are so strong and are such great influences to the kids that you teach and support. Please don't ever feel like you are alone, we are here for you! I know what you mean about having lots of techniques for anxiety but not implementing them, I'm the same! I think what works for me is to find one that really sticks with me and try it everywhere so it becomes second nature - exactly what Gems has said!

Gems- I totally agree with you. When kids are vulnerable they tend to look at the adults or role models for comfort. Teachers are so important during this time (and always!). Hope you have been well!

Hope everyone has had a good weekend!

[Sarahbelle]

Hello Gems, Missep and Mrs E.

Hope you are all doing well. COVID numbers continue to grow and this is very sad and worrying. We just have to have hope at the moment that people in power make decisions which are good for all. I was thinking we might go to stage 4 lockdown but not yet. Look my dog for an extra run at the park today just in case.

I am doing okay - On Dr advice I will be working from home in this time and I have my bosses support to do so which is great. Feel much more comfortable and confident with this decision.

Missep I am happy for you that you are enjoying your new job and I always remember people's lovely pets.

Gems I hope working at home is going okay for you and you are not feeling too isolated.

Mrs E wishing you a safe and happy school term.

Take care and stay safe,

Sarahbelle.