Severe anxiety during this lockdown

[Mina19]

Hi people,

Since this new lockdown in Melbourne I noticed my anxiety became 100 times worse I already have severe anxiety and ptsd and although it technically finishes tonight the lockdown I’m still so stressed out. I also noticed when I heard about the lockdown more physical symptoms happened to me like loose stools randomly, nausea, headache and stuff. Just a horrible feeling and panicked each day oh and even worse the nightmares. Is this just me or has anyone else experienced this too. I just feel mentally alone even though I do live with supportive family.

[white knight]

Hi,

I do think your reaction is not very common.

What is it about a lockdown that frightens you?

See, a lockdown for 5 days is not, in most peoples eyes, serious. It could be labelled "inconvenient". We get our social plans interrupted and for those that work they are messed around but overall it isnt a huge issue but to you it is.

So, I do recall vividly when my anxiety was off the scales many years ago. My therapist asked me how the week had gone and I told his I had intrusive thoughts about stuff like if my boss knocked on my door or a relative passed away. He asked me if my thoughts were realistic. "Not really" was my answer. And so he reminded me each visit if I had asked myself "is that thought realistic"? And I did each time. Eventually my mind changed, I began to discount unrealistic thoughts. Repetition does work.

Panicking has a direct and indirect effect on our lives. I can effect us physically by way of future heart and stoke issues and mentally too. Apart from asking yourself "am I being realistic"? a practical method is to create your own distraction. This could come in the form of a hobby, interest or sport. Focussing on sewing or knitting your mind might wander towards intrusive thoughts but not to the intensity as when you have little to do.

I've found some threads you can click onto. These can help you get things into perspective.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/depression-distraction-and-vari...

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/worry-worry-worry

The last thread is an important one. It goes through the process of how I eliminated anxiety. It took many years but rest assured if you do not take positive practical steps towards doing so then you cannot proceed, you'll always be suffering. It means a cocktail of remedies- medication, exercises, environment concerns, work, removing toxic people from your life etc etc.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-how-l-eliminated-it#qpS1gXHz...

What do you think?

TonyWK

[Mina19]

You don’t realise why I have ptsd it’s related to a sexual assault and I couldn’t get away from the man so easily and second it’s not 5 days I am worried about it’s trauma from the last lockdown that’s feeling the same as this because the 5 days could have been extended.

[Emmen]

Hello Mina19,

The constant lockdowns made my anxiety worse too, last year. What helped was for me to examine why I was feeling so anxious and see if there was a way to address that. Uncertainty turned out to be a huge part of it and I had to start reassuring myself of the things in my life that were certain. Also, I felt better once I stopped following the news on the lockdown and COVID.

Apart from that, do try to calm your mind with mindfulness exercises, scented candles etc. It may help control the panic somewhat.

Kindly,
M

[white knight]

Thanks Mina,

Your first post was quite short and much more relevant information came in your second post.

We can only comment on what we can read. I hope you get lots of advice here. I see Emmen has posted.

TonyWK

[white knight]

Hi Mina,

I'm wondering how you are feeling since the lockdown stopped last night?

I'm sorry I was unaware of the reason for your PTSD and just to let you know I'm a former prison officer and am well aware of the violent ide of some people. In fact my work there scarred me for a long time.

If you feel free to discuss any topic in length again I'd be most grateful and I hope I can help you.

Regards TonyWK