Coronavirus stress

[Luandlil]

So I am currently medicated for anxiety, which has worked WONDERS for me over the last two years, enabling me to move beyond my anxious thoughts, almost like locking them in a cupboard or something. With the Coronavirus threat to my health and the health of people I love, as well as the financial impact (I’m on the last few weeks of my job before we’re forced to close) I am seeing my anxiety symptoms return. Dizziness, inability to focus, forgetfulness, emotional self isolation etc... I’m not internalizing and blaming myself like I often do, and I am very aware that this is an anxious time for everyone. I am considering increasing my meds until this is over, in order to feel more “myself” and not spending my days in an out of body experience. Has anyone else increased their dose around periods of stress and then just lowered back down to the original dose once the stressful period is over?

[Gum_Leaf]

Hi Luandlil,

I am 39 and have taken medication for my anxiety and low mood a few times in my life. I started taking an antidepressant again 5 weeks ago after stress from the bush fires and other stresses.

Prior to this I had stoped the medication for a year and before that I took it for two years.

At the moment I am still having a lot of panic attacks which I never experienced at all last time I started taking antidepressants. I am not as low mood as I was before starting though.

Increasing your dose might be a good idea but you should ask your doctor.

Also do as much self care as you can. Be gentle on yourself.

Hugs,

Mel

[SAWIAK]

Hi Luandil

So true what you shared troubling times we are living atm. that's way talking and sharing about how we are feeling is so important, good on you for sharing.

I'm also on medication for anxiety, when my doctor first put me on it, she said not to change my does without her recommendation as it can be very dangerous, so would suggest consult your doctor first.

Hope this helps stay safe, well and brave. .I admire you courage.

[white knight]

Hi Laundlil

As other’s have said, it is tough times but of course, we humans have had similar pandemics, others crisis like wars and plagues throughout history. Those periods didn’t see the scientists and medical intelligence we have now.

That is just a positive spin on things as I always do, a half cup full guy, but also with a history of anxiety, bipolar and depression.

My peak with anxiety arrived during a workplace incident in 1987 and I attended therapy which I reflect on regularly to overcome/avoid conflict. Medication has been what I thought was lifelong however as it turned out I was able to give it away for anxiety after 22 years. A long time? Well that was the long term affect of strategies I put in place early on. Let’s talk about short and medium terms.

Although it was a workplace issue I had to analyse all aspects of my life. As a sympathiser I place others first and now in 1987 it was time Tony made himself a priority.

Toxic people were given the heave ho, if they were family they were given chances after a tactful warning.

Career change was in order, law enforcement (not police) was not ideal for anxiety nor was food preparation or customer service. Schooling wasn’t either.

Environment, some are not good so for me a move from city to country was the way to go. My parenting plans with my then wife came to the decision of no more than 2 children.

As stress became a problem financial security was important as was not taking on too many projects at once.

Gor those interested I’ve written many threads on these subjects. All you have to do is place the following topics in the search bar at the top.

anxiety, how I eliminated it

worry worry worry

fortress of survival (part 1 and 2)

if all else fails be radical

Anxiety is often generated by obstacles we believe we may not overcome. To that I use the well known saying “we should do our best and that should always be good enough” and “we should not worry about things out of our control”.

In essence shrink your world, limit TV and radio to shirt periods. Delve into your hobby. On the other hand such measures are intimidating to those people that have lost their jobs and have bills to pay. However, the sun will rise tomorrow and this crisis will be distant news in months to come and then, you’ll happy you endured the period.

Take care

TonyWK

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Luandlil,

Great discussion and others have already responded really well to your post. You are certainly not alone in experiencing an increase in your stress and worry. So many people (including me) are feeling this wide spread impact. You are not alone. If you feel that posting on the forum help, please continue to do so - there are many threads and forum members who are suggesting strategies and tips to help with worry and stress. We are here and listening.

I did want to highlight that 'self medicating' or taking medications that you are not prescribed is not recommended, even if it is increasing a dose of medication you are already taking. Having a discussion with your GP or prescribing Doctor is important. You can arrange a telephone or video visit with your GP. Discussing changes in your treatment with you health team and having a check in can be really helpful. You can look at other solutions and strategies to helping your anxiety as well as making sure that any side effects of an increase are discussed.

Sending you strength,

Nurse Jenn