New to this and trying to avoid the news

[Gum_Leaf]

Hi, I’m new here.
I’ve been having terrible panic attacks since social distancing was introduced and so overwhelmed with all the changes and distressed about everything going on in the world.

I feel like what is happening is reenforcing my existing struggle with feeling the world is not a safe place!

I’ve also had a virus and I keep thinking I have ’the virus’. Every time I have a symptom I start to panic that I’m going to get worse and die.

I think I have a lot of fear of death. Sometimes I wish I had a stronger faith.

I am not looking at the news at all at the moment and thought it might help me to connect here.

Sending best wishes to everyone struggling with mental health at the moment.

[Aaronsis]

Hi Gum Leaf

I understand how this time in our lives is really unlike any time we have known, it is a whole lot of getting used to and uncertainty and change.

HOWEVER...we do need to do a few things to be able to keep our mental health in check at this time. Focusing on facts and not too much time in the media, keep across what the new facts are and what you need to do but after that, find somethings to do that you enjoy. Too much time watching and immersing ourselves in the media does elevate the feelings of panic and alarm.

Also let's remind ourselves that for mostly any of us that do contract the virus we will have flu like symptoms and we will bed rest and then come back to health, just like if we had the flu. There is no need for extra panic around the condition itself, it can be recovered from and managed with medication that you would take for the flu.

If you are an older person or someone who does have a compromised immune system the precautions are more strict, but you can still enjoy time doing things inside, using technology to remain connected to family and friends and even places like this to get some support.

I hear how scared and how this is causing you anxiety and you are not alone, people are reacting to this unknown time in many different ways. Please be kind to you though, take a break from the media, do some things that you love to do, pop outside for some fresh air and notice nature, the birds, the plants, do what you can to make you feel good.

I hope that you continue to chat and hope it gives you some peace.

Huge hugs to you.

Sarah xx

[Gum_Leaf]

Thank you Sarah for your reply. When I had a panic attack this morning I went outside and smelled roses, squeezed a ball of clay, counted my breaths and had a hot drink. I gradually calmed down. Thank you so much for your digital hugs. Hugs to you.

[mocha delight]

Hi gum leaf I think we are all in the same boat right now so your not alone ok 🤗. I may not be officially diagnosed with depression or anything else yet but I did start on a antidepressant the week before all this started (first time I’ve ever been on one) and today is end of my second week on the antidepressant. I’ve also limited myself to just getting a update on everything once morning & night otherwise it’s a bit to much for me.

[Gum_Leaf]

Hi Mocha Delight,

How are you going with the medication? I have found that last time I took an antidepressant it took a while to work and I felt worse before better.

The first sign for me that it was working was I really started to enjoy listing to music and walking. I really had to find things I enjoyed doing and do those things for the medication to help.

I am reminding myself of this as much as sharing with you.

Best wishes to you and glad I’m not alone 🤗

[Guest_4643]

Hi Gum Leaf, welcome to the forums.

I can relate to you, I'm sure lots of people can with the whole virus situation actually. I'm really sorry that you're feeling this way and that you've been feeling unwell, I hope you feel better soon. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Unfortunately the world is crazy at the moment, and it's important to try and take time to take care of ourselves mentally and physically as much as possible, although I understand that this is difficult.

Is there anything you like doing, or would like to learn - a new hobby or old one perhaps? Just remember, you're not alone in feeling this way, and it will go away eventually, who knows when. Lots of people are feeling anxious with all of this and it's okay. Your feelings are valid and it's okay to feel the way you do.

I'm here if you'd like to chat, take care.

Tayla

[mocha delight]

Hi gum leaf thanks for your reply I’m going ok with my antidepressant considering everything that is going on and my gp even talked of at some stage possibly putting me on a higher dosage maybe but who knows as I’ll have to see how I go. But looks like for now I got the right medication on the first try but I have another 3 weeks after Friday this week before me and my gp will know 100% for sure but I admit things do look good so far.

[Aaronsis]

Hey Gum Leaf

Just stopping in to see how you are doing today?

Great idea to actually go outside and appreciate the plants and flowers, I did the same just this morning, I went on a walk and took notice of the flowers and the sounds and tried to get some fresh air into me. I actually do feel alot better now.

Keep finding the good in each day, even one small thing as there is still so much happiness to have. A phone call with a loved one, I did some painting for the first time yesterday, it made me feel great. Trying new things.

Huge hugs to you Gum Leaf

Sarah xxx

[Gum_Leaf]

Hi Sarah,

Thanks so much for checking in to see how I am. I have had such highs and lows today.

This morning I did a session of yoga. Very strangely I felt worse afterwards for a while. It was like it brought my feelings out more. I ended up having another panic attack shortly after whilst I talked to a friend of mine on the phone who has also been sick and has wondered if it was covid19.

We both wanted to be tested but we don’t fit the criteria. I understand that they can’t test everyone but it would just be good to know. On some level it doesn’t make sense to me that most of us will be fine with getting this virus but at the same time it’s so dangerous that we have to closed down society. I know it’s more of a danger to older or unwell people but I am fearful for everyone.

Anyway, after the awful panic I did some clay with my daughter. We also went for a walk with the dog and watched old Seinfeld and Faulty Towers episode. I also made a cake with my son.

Having the kids home 24/7 is really intense for me too. They are 9 and 11 and need a lot of direction and seem to be constantly hungry. My 9 year old is sick too and was coughing all day which was really triggering my anxiety too.

But all in all there was just as many good parts to my day as bad.

Many thanks for your support,

Gum Leaf

[Gum_Leaf]

Hi Taylor,

Thank you for your wise and caring message.

I am planning to do an oil painting class remotely starting in the next few weeks. I was meant to be going to start it at a studio but they are of course closed. It will be very interesting trying to do it via the computer.

I have been enjoying walking, cooking, making things with clay, gardening, doing yoga, painting, reading, cuddling my cat and dog and watching old comedy shows. So really I have so many good things in my life.

Interspersed between these enjoyable activities I feel emotions of confusion, dread, fear, panic, sadness and anger. Everything feels unstable and confusing.

Tonight what also came up for me was a sense of lack of trust in the world. I’ve found the messages from the government and media confusing and everything keeps shifting.

I know I need to focus on what I can control and let the rest go but it’s not easy.

Best wishes,

Mel 😘