@Jamstan wrote:
I haven't been on the boards in awhile because I figured there would be much Covid-19 discussion and I can't really take much more of it. My already bad anxiety has worsened over the past few weeks or so and something I thought I was over, hypochondria...has come back because of all the Covid-19 fears. I'm not in the high risk bracket...I'm 40 and without chronic issues but I am still freaking out. My state has a high # of cases already (not in my area though) and is under a state of emergency. I struggle with unknown things and things I cannot control the outcome of. I also play the "what if" game far too much. Like what if I am stuck at home for several weeks and run out of food? What if I get coronavirus and but show no symptoms and end up infecting others who are higher risk than me and do get sick? I try to consume as little news coverage as possible but it is tough because it is everywhere and has basically overtaken social media. Thankful to be seeing my therapist in a few days and hoping to talk things out with him.
I feel for you, @Jamstan. I've been in your shoes, quite some time ago. I understand such thinking and know that it is very difficult to control. Maybe try writing your fears down and then look at each one and see if there is some concrete action you can take to help alleviate them. Also, deep breaths can help with that panicky feeling.
And if it continues to ramp up, you might talk to your doctor about it. He or she might recommend some treatment.
In the meantime, you might also want to limit your exposure to anxiety triggers.

~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland