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]

Hi missep,

A huge CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I am so pleased that you are feeling so excited and happy. Fabulous to hear good news!!!

I wish you all the happiness and love now and in the future and may your dreams come true.

Love and wishes,

Sarahbelle.

[Jasjit]

Hi Trish and welcome!!!

First of all, really well done for reaching out and sharing your thoughts. I can assure you that the next second of your life will suddenly change. Do you know why? You have an excellent insight into what is happening to you!!! You already know what is the problem!!! Great work.

Just a few tips I could mention would be like staying in the moment. Maybe it is just a thought, it will come and go. Let the thought come and go, don't hold on to it. Other tips would include if you would like to add a bit of meditation and yoga. Here are the links I have found for you!

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/staying-well/eating-well

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/supporting-yourself/why-you-should-do-something-for-yourself-every-day

https://www.innerengineering.com/online?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_8-gtOyW6wIVSsEWBR3RgAraEAAYAiAAEgKAW_D_BwE

[missep123]

Thank you so much Sarahbelle! 🙂 I was excited to tell you guys!

Trish_@ and Sarahbelle I know what you mean. The waves of media and information, it can get overwhelming. I find that I switch between calm and 'this is okay, I'm coping' to 'I feel trapped and when is this ever going to get better'. What I found myself thinking about today is that we are all going through this together. I feel comforted in that thought. We are allowed to vent and try to support ourselves as much as possible during these tough times.

[uncut_gems]

Hi all,

missep,

Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!! You must be so excited! As Sarahbelle said, it's so nice to have some good news to celebrate now.

Sarahbelle, how are you going on week 2 of lockdown? Watching anything good? I think your advice to Trish is exactly right.

Trish, welcome! The health anxiety you describe and physical symptoms of anxiety (changes to appetite, tightness in the chest, awareness of bodily sensations) are very common, and I've definitely experienced them myself. All we can do is try our best to stay informed but not over-informed, be patient, follow the guidelines, and keep one another in good spirits.

To echo Jasjit, mindfulness, staying in the moment, being able to get "outside" the anxious thought or feeling are great strategies. They can be frustrating and take a bit of work at the beginning, but these are great skills. Beyond that, getting connected with the right mental health resource is the best thing we can do if we're really struggling with health anxiety, and a GP can be a great person to turn to if it becomes a real problem.

Warmly,

Gems

[Brenton123]

Cannot see my interstate sick and elderly parents due to the Covid restrictions which prevent freedom of movement, which is a basic human right.

[Sarahbelle]

Hello Everyone,

Gems so nice to hear from you. That was great news for missep - so nice to hear a story of hope and promise in these difficult times and generous of her to share the news with us.

I am going okay - get a bit stir crazy but make sure I get my dog out for a good walk most days. Today the sun is shining and absolutely perfect weather. On a day like this it is more easy for me to zone out on the problems outside and enjoy what I have right now at home - it can get lonely but I have a wonderful son. Working from home is keeping me busy too. Tomorrow is my mum's 1st anniversary since her death - she is on my mind alot, how I would love to be able to hold her hand and hug her - she gives me great strength everyday.

Hope you are able to get out and about a little bit and are keeping well.

Brenton it must be very hard for you at the moment and worrying that you cannot see your dear parents. I am sorry that this situation is keeping so many apart. Unfortunately the nature of this virus is just so ferocious.

Hoping better times will come soon.

Take care and stay safe everyone,

Sarahbelle.

[Brenton123]

Thank you Sarahbelle. 🙂

[uncut_gems]

Welcome Brenton!

I'll echo just what Sarahbelle said about acknowledging how hard this must be for you and how extraordinary the measures are to contain this unprecedented pandemic. All my family are overseas in the US so I know a bit about how you feel being stuck far apart, but luckily for my all my loved ones here in Australia are here in the same state with me. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to have that barrier up and not know when you will be able to see your parents again.

I'm cautiously optimistic that as the worst of this wave subsides and we get a better handle on things, things like exemptions for compassionate reasons will be one of the first things reinstated.

Warmly,
Gems

[missep123]

Thank you for the kind words gems!!

Thinking about you all. We're in this together. I am really hoping that vaccines are created quickly and effectively. I really miss the beauty of social interaction! Thank goodness for these forums.

I've been joining the 'Three things to be thankful for today' thread. It really helps to think about anything, even the small things that keep us afloat.

Here for you all!

[Sarahbelle]

Hello missep, Gems and all,

Wet and miserable in Melbourne today, a good day to be indoors. It is sounding promising with possible future vaccines which gives hope to us all.

Victoria's numbers are much more steady but loss of life to COVID is such a tragedy.

I am doing okay - keeping busy with work and a little cooking, crocheting and some TV. not many movies but recently My Girl and My Girl 2- a little bit of nostalgia.

How are things for you and what have you been doing to fill your days?

Sending wishes your way,

Sarahbelle.