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Valued Contributor
Posts: 519
Registered: ‎09-02-2018

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

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Thanks for the kind words and it is important for those of us with anxiety.  I feel for your daugther and can relate.  I normally don't allow these types of events to make me anxious, however, after yesterday's visit to the grocery store and witnessing alot of bare shelves, it's all I've been thinking about.  In addition, all last week our office sent out emails that they are preparing for possible work-at-home situations.  At first, I thought it was premature of them, but not anymore.  I'm trying to limit my watching the news but being on the internet is more challenging.  I'm watching as much comedy tv shows and my retreat are old reruns.  If anyone wants a distraction, there's a Home Improvement marathon on Laff Tv right now. Smiley Happy

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,877
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

I would be anxious if I or a family member had a weakened immune system or lived in a nursing home.  I don't.  But I did have a family member die from the flu 3 years ago, and yes she got the flu shot. Any flu is concerning.

 

I do wonder if the people who are anxious and the anxiety is taking over their life have the same fears about random gun violence.  People walking into churches, WalMart,  movie theaters, work places and opening fire. 

Valued Contributor
Posts: 754
Registered: ‎03-15-2010

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

Thank you for that @Goodie2shoes .  My DH is 72 with COPD, so I am extremely anxious about this.  He is just getting over an upper respiratory virus that evolved into mild pneumonia that required antibiotics and steroids. He gave that virus to me, and I'm still coughing after 3 weeks.  We both had the flu shot, and he has also had all the pnuemonia shots in the past. At 63, I guess I'm now considered elderly, so this coronavirus is truly freaking me out.  DH has been working at a weekly antique auction for many years and has missed 3 weeks, I'm really pushng for him not to return anytime soon.  We are just staying home except for quick trips for groceries at hours when the stores are mostly empty.  We do have community spread cases here, so that doesn't help.

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,824
Registered: ‎06-21-2015

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

Last Friday night on the evening News they announce we have our first case here. What has me upset is this person was a passenger on the ship that is dock in California.  He or she has only been home a week, wasn't feeling great and went to the Dr. a guess what. Da. They are quarantined to there home. They said he or she has been in contact with 100's of people since they left the ship. The officials  were in the process of contacting those  evolved.  

 

I am so angry there are no words. I just can't believe the stupidly of people. We're not in the group that needs to worry about dying, but who wants to get the flu anyway. It takes weeks to get over it.

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 10,620
Registered: ‎09-22-2010

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

 

Since I live at ground zero for the virus in the PNW I am paying attention to recommendations.  I am in the over 60 group so trying to stay home except for grocery store and library trips.  Staying out of crowds, restaurants, etc.   Some local schools have been closed and the community centers also.  I am hoping they get a handle on this soon.  I am amazed when I hear people on TV saying it is all a hoax.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,960
Registered: ‎08-31-2019

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

We are hardwired to have fear, whenever we feel threats to our well being.  If we weren't, early man wouldn't have survived all the obstacles they faced. Fight or flight kept us from being extinct, by now.

 

Overwhelming fear is unhealthy, but fear itself can motivate positive action. However, the degree to which we respond to perceived, or real threats, is very individual.

 

We should never criticize, or make fun of someone having more fear than we might.  It's a personality and psychological dynamic, that depends on many (often learned) variables.

 

It can sometimes be controlled, but it's not voluntary.  Just like someone having a panic attack is not voluntary.  It's quite painful for them.

 

So if you have family, or friends in a meltdown, just listen to them and let them purge their fears. They're not likely to be discouraged from them, but will find comfort in knowing they have support, that someone is trying to understand, and, that they won't be abandoned.  

 

  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 9,739
Registered: ‎05-19-2012

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

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Dianne,

 

I don't hear the "hoax" idea advanced only on TV.

 

Upon leaving church today, I ran into an acquaintance in the parking lot and we had a brief chat.  As I was leaving her side, a male church member who knows the woman well yelled, "Did you cancel your cruise?"  

 

She, a sound-thinking and reasonable sort so far as I know, answered, "No!  We are going on the cruise.  I don't believe all this about coronavirus."

 

He, an obnoxious sort -- always -- retorted, "I don't believe in it at all!  If you believe in it, then none of us would be doing anything -- not driving, not going anywhere.  I don't believe in it!"  I do not write that this man is "obnoxious" in a casual manner, nor do I describe him in this manner to cast aspersions upon those who see things as he does.

 

Me?  I am frightened and cautious.  I said not a word and went to my car.  And yes, there are men who are "frightened and cautious" like me when it comes to COVID-19 who are obnoxious, too.  It's just that that particular man in the parking lot does grate.

 

This is where we are now.  That is why I posted this.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,751
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

@BlueFinch -

Those are kind and understanding words as well.

It is encouraging to see there are very empathetic people out here not just saying because they are ok and calm everyone else should be, because you are right, it is not voluntary to be someone who has anxiety etc.

I have friends and family who do. They shouldn't be judged but comforted.

I really appreciate your wise post.

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,677
Registered: ‎03-19-2016

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

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@Goodie2shoes   I'm concerned for everyone. I'm in the age group who should stay home and am prepared. I attended Church with my son and granddaughter but it will probably be the last time for awhile.

  He gave the family tickets to a stage musical in May but we probably won't go and his gift to us is wasted! 
  I'm so sorry you cancelled your trip to VA beach. They keep saying that Something in the Water will still be in April, but it's huge crowds and unwise. 
   I've been on many cruises, including the Grand Princess and would NOT consider taking one now. Too many people and too crowded.  You are very wise to cancel!

   I'm anxiously awaiting the spread in my State, still going out but preparing to be a hermit and cocoon with my dogs! 
    I pray for the safety of us all! 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 38,528
Registered: ‎05-22-2016

Re: For Those with Anxiety issues over Coronovirus

Take a room with 100 infected people,  80 of them will most likely be sick with flu-like symptoms and some of those 80 people will feel hardly anything at all. Only 2 or 3 people will die. That leaves 17 or 18 people who may be very ill and could end up in hospitals...those people are usually the ones with pre-existing health problems. So basically most people are going to be just fine. 

 

When you look at the facts which we have been given so far, I think that helps ease the fear. 

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