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 Gems and missep.

It is so weird how we can be travelling okay and then all of a sudden the bad patch comes along, often I cannot understand what triggered it - how about you?

For the first time today I went into three shops one after the other --- must say I knew what I wanted, bought it and left but I did it. When I hopped back in the car and started driving I all of a sudden felt shaky inside that I had a strange surreal feeling like the world was so changed. By the time I got home the feeling disappeared and my world didn't fall apart and nothing bad happened.

I am really trying to focus on what is real for now and be present because I can let the "what ifs" take me over. It is step by step, day by day and some days it is just okay to be not okay.

Have either of you ever done deep guided meditation if so have you any feedback about it?- it has been suggested that I think about giving it a try the only meditation I do is Smiling Mind and I must say my mind does wander off.

Have a restful evening and take care, Sarahbelle.

[missep123]

Hi uncut_gems and Sarahbelle! - I really like that mentality, thank you so much for sharing! I also find myself getting 'hooked' onto thoughts. My mind can ruminate about things over and over at times and it is so exhausting! Being freed from the cycle definitely takes a lot off my shoulders.

I have been able to see a small group of my friends finally! We usually met up every week before COVID and now we were able to reunite and it was so fun! I felt so happy afterwards. Is there anything that you have been able to do now?

I totally agree Sarahbelle, bad patches can come out of nowhere and it's hard to know why it was triggered. I think you handled it so well though! I know what you mean about feeling like the world was so changed, at least this is just the beginning of 'returning to normal' so I hope it does return to a normal that we used to know or at least close to it!

I can't say that I have tried deep guided meditation but I definitely want to! I think I will try it before I go to sleep!

[Sarahbelle]

Hi missep 123 and Gems,

Hope you are doing okay and have something over the weekend to look forward to. I was going to get into the garden and do some tidying up and planting but a bit too windy at the moment so I will do some craft work instead.

I just wanted to say thank you to you both as you have really been so supportive in helping me get through this rough patch - just knowing there is someone who cares at the other end can make a big difference.

I have finally plucked up the courage and have seen a psychologist - this is new for me as I have always tried to manage the anxiety and down times myself and I think I was in denial for a long time. I did feel more relieved after speaking with her. I haven't told anyone about going to a psychologist - not sure I will - not through shame maybe about possible judgements, or worrying people - I don't know. I'll wait a bit and see.

I am going okay - hope you are too.

Thanks again for your posts, take care.

Sarahbelle.

[missep123]

Hi Sarahbelle,

Of course! We are always here for you 🙂 It really does feel so much better knowing that someone is there who cares!

That's awesome that you went to see a psychologist! It can really help to have a professional that we can speak to as we don't realise how much we are carrying on our own shoulders on a daily basis.

[Sarahbelle]

Thanks missep 123.

That is so true - I really was unaware of all the loss and hurts I am carrying. Just tried to get on with things put my needs away.

What she made me realise is just how tired I have become I didn't realise the tank was so empty.

I have had a nice day with my son - did some gardening and took the dog for a walk. Now better get ready for work tomorrow.

Hope you have had a lovely day too.

Sarahbelle

[missep123]

It's true! Sometimes we just don't realise how much we are carrying. I like your analogy of an empty tank, I relate to that! It's important to fill our tank with things we enjoy and make sure we take care of ourselves so we can keep going.

It sounds like you had a lovely day! 🙂

[Littleballofpositivity]

OMG honestly Covid is like we have taken a trip too far inside our heads. Stay strong its the crazy covid times talking. We will come out of this stronger you deserve lots of self-care give yourself extra TLC during this time.

[Sarahbelle]

Thank you Littleballofpositivity,

Be kind to yourself too.

[Sarahbelle]

Hello Gems and Missep123.

I hope you are both keeping well and finding enjoyable things to do. I think we are all going to have to adjust to a new kind of normal in our lives and that will mean changes for all of us and differences in out lifestyles which may cause some grief but hopefully some new opportunities too.

I am working from home but think next week will begin to get back to school - I must say I am feeling some pressure to return from the boss even though I have a Dr certificate, but on the other hand maybe I need to as the only person I have spent time with since March is my son and i have become a bit phobic to being near others not to mention spending time with them. I feel the pit in my stomach thinking about it but also know I have to make the break sometime and will go in a couple of days a week only at the moment.

I wish you both peace and happiness as you also face the new challenges ahead. I wonder what they are for you? I hope we can still share with one another as I value your thoughts, ideas and the connection.

Hope the sun is shining for you today,

Sarahbelle.

[missep123]

Hi Sarahbelle

Returning to work and routine can be so tricky! I think a progressive return starting with a few days a week is a good way to integrate back. I'm the same, I loved spending time at home with my family and I know that I will miss it once I am working. I have been able to see the positives though! I was stood down for quite a few months due to Covid. No work for two months meant I was getting a bit antsy to work again. I actually start my new job next week so I'm really excited 🙂

I love the support we are all providing to each other! 🙂