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.

[Sarahbelle]

Hello,

Just wanted to let you all know my uncle's results in nursing home came back negative last night so we are very thankful. Prayers and wishes to all who are suffering from this horrendous virus.

Numbers in Victoria are alarming today - very frightening makes me want to just stay at home - no where else to go really in lockdown. Home is where the heart is.

How are things going for you?

Take care,

Keep safe,

Sarahbelle.

[uncut_gems]

Likewise missep!

Taking it one day at a time and trying to be at least a little productive working from home. I've been cooking more at home, trying out some new dishes, and started making my own pickles a few days ago! These little domestic tasks that keep your hands busy help do the trick for me, especially in the eventings.

Think of you and Sarahbelle especially. How are you missep?

Best,

Gems

[Sarahbelle]

Hi Missep and Gems,

Hope all is well with both of you.

Gems I agree with you keeping busy is a great help in these very strange times, keeps the mind and hands busy in a constructive way. What kind of pickles do you make?

Missep you always ask after us but hope you are going well too and you do things that also make you feel happy.

I made a momentus decision today and decisions are not always my forte - spoke with my boss and will be working 4 days next year - I have been working full time in education since age 21 (along time ago) so really feel so pleased about it. I think this pandemic has made me even more aware life is so short and fragile and to be free to take time for yourself.

Sun is shining here today so hard to believe what is happening out the door.

Take care and don't lose your smiles.

Sarahbelle.

[missep123]

Hi you guys!

Thank you for checking in on me 🙂 It's a really nice feeling seeing these messages and knowing people care!

Gems - I really liked reading what you are up to! That's a really good idea to keep busy. I guess this is the time for us to learn new skills!

Sarahbelle- great to hear that your uncle tested negative. phewsh! I'm also really proud of you that you spoke to your boss and that you are working 4 days. I think that shows that you are putting your wellbeing first!

[Sarahbelle]

Hello Missep and Gems,

Hope this message finds you well and doing some enjoyable things that make you happy.

All the news in Melbourne is about our latest restrictions due to dreadfully high numbers - for me personally they reflect what I have already been doing but for some people bigger changes. Some how we have to all act together to protect each other from this virus. No point blaming just do what is right, too many people are suffering and dying as a result.

It is hard to hear we are now living not only in a state of emergency but upgraded to danger and the new curfew times make it very real. I can understand this will cause people greater anxiety but a necessary step as there are those few people not following directives and making it much harder and longer for others and this illness spreads like wild fire.

I am lucky my son, dog, work, crocheting, garden and a few good movies are keeping me grounded. I am trying not to get caught up in media hype - just factual information from reliable sources.

Please take good care of yourselves, I value the opportunity to have a chat with you,

Sarahbelle.

Please take care of yourselves and

[uncut_gems]

Hi Sarahbelle and missep,

I was just thinking yesterday how much I value talking to both of you here on the forums, especially as things continue to get scarier and more uncertain.

Sarahbelle, that sounds like such a great decision for you– something to celebrate on its own, not to mention all your new free time. What films have you been watching? I started a "social distancing film club" thread here (https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone/social-distancing-film-club) if you'd care to chat more about it or share/get some recommendations!

I'm going to continue wearing my mask and staying in here in Sydney– I hope people get with the program here so we can avoid the situation that poor Victoria is in.

All best,

Gems

[missep123]

Hi gems and Sarahbelle,

When I heard about the new restrictions in Victoria my heart hurt. I really do feel for everyone over there. Everyone is trying their best and trying to hang on to a feeling of hope and 'light at the end of the tunnel'.

I'm so glad that you are able to keep yourself grounded with those things you mentioned Sarahbelle, I can see so much growth the short period that I've known you!

Great idea with the social distancing film club gems! I agree about the mask too. I know this is a bit of a strange perk but as someone who is super into makeup I only have to put it on my eyes and the mask covers the rest of my face which saves me a lot of time.

Let's continue to support each other! What an awesome bunch you guys are! 🙂

[Sarahbelle]

Hello Gems and missep.

Always a treat to hear from you both, yes I think together we make a great little bunch with each other's care at the heart.

I have mainly been watching old movies and funny ones - don't watch anything too sad at the moment. I have also been watching a couple of series - Belgravia and Sanditon which were good. Gems thanks for the invite, will check out the thread.

Living in Melbourne is very eerie at the moment, there is that feeling of the unknown and waiting for something to almost explode. Trying to keep grounded is essential otherwise the danger is spinning out of control in a situation where you have very little. Keeping control of keeping yourself safe and those around you is a challenge - keeping positive is even bigger. But, it is something I am handling okay. Chatting with both of you has given me greater strength, thank you.

My uncle has more covid cases in his nursing home which is extremely worrying. These poor old ones are so so vulnerable.

Take care and stay in touch.

Sarahbelle

[Sarahbelle]

Hello again,

Sorry to bother you, but I just needed to feel someone is listening today. I feel I am not off to a good start today, didn't sleep hardly my mind was so busy with clutter and today I feel the shakes inside and out and am as jumpy as a kitten. Can't seem to focus on anything. I know it is me feeling anxious with all that is happening in Melbourne at the moment and a real feeling of disconnectedness even though I have my work. Even though we are all in this together we are also in it very alone. All my self care actions seem to be failing me right now. Feel annoyed with myself that I just can't seem to get it together, I do not want to fall into that pit again but don't know what to do. Melbourne used to feel relatively safe and a good place to live but not any more. COVID is messing with everyone you speak to - the topic of conversation on TV, phone calls and looks on all our faces covered with masks. Normal - a new normal what does that really mean as it changes everyday.

I feel politicians and experts are doing their best but they are also fighting an unknown relentless beast.

Scarey times ahead, poor Victoria. I hope all the other states never have to go through what is happening here.

Thanks for being here, take care,

Sarahbelle.

[Gent]

Hi All Have not posted here before have had my strugles over the years with the Beast of anxiety depresion PTSD etc.we always find a way through. Before this hit I was already not working due to chronic physical illness. Already worry about everyones future and my own this new BEAST makes it even tougher to see a way forward to the future.I fear I will never get work again. But that is a battle for another day right now my message is to you and myself hang tuff stay at home look to each other beat this and look forward to the other things it will all get better, thanks stay safe, if we bellieve it will get better it will, In terms of safe place it still is do the right thing when we are out for each other, keep up to date but when home thats your safe place,limit media reports break out the old board games trouble etc great fun any distraction, I am rambling,stay safe take care.