To be too freaked out to go to the supermarket?

[MayDayHelp]

I’m being careful to only go out when absolutely necessary. I haven’t been in a supermarket for over 2 weeks, but have been managing with bits that I’ve picked up in the small shops in my town.

By some miracle I managed to book an online shop over a week ago, which was delivered today. We have plenty of food for now but I’m already starting to panic about when that runs out! I know the chances of getting another delivery slot are remote and actually I’m sure there are people who need them more than me so I’d feel bad to even try.

It seems counter-intuitive to lock ourselves away from everyone, only to go to the supermarket? But then is that any riskier than going to small local shops which is my only other option? There are food box schemes but I have 2 dc with ASD who have sensory issues around food and a very limited diet, so I wouldn’t be able to feed them with a food box where you can’t choose the contents.

I’m in my late 30s with no underlying health issues that I’m aware of so chances are I’d be fine, but If I did end up getting it and dying then my dc would have nobody (I’m a single parent). But then I’ve read that we’ll all get it at some point anyway, so if it’s going to happen it’s going to happen.

I’ve got myself in a right all panic about it, AIBU?

[Oly4]

I don’t think going to the supermarket is riskier then your local shop. I went to Waitrose yesterday and it was very org sided with everyone sticking to social distancing rules. My corner shop has loads more close contact!

[MayDayHelp]

Thanks oly4, that’s a good point, I guess it is easier to stay away from people in a massive shop.

[StillCounting123]

Take a deep breath and go.

Bring a list so you know what you need to buy, don't linger in the shop and just put your head down and do it.

Do you have someone to mind your DC while you are at the shop? I've heard some larger supermarkets aren't letting kids in.

You will die someday, but chances are that it won't be from this.

[Petiolaris]

YANBU to be freaked out. This is exactly why so many people stockpiled. Because they didn’t want to risk their lives going to the supermarket. You just have to keep trying every day for supermarket slots. Even click and collect would be safer than going into the shop.

[HeyYah]

I have been shopping today and was in a state of anxiety all the time! Only went in two shops (Lidl and home bargains) and local to me. Had hand sanitiser and gloves and the shops were taking precautions but I felt panicky everytime anyone came near me and I have found I have come home without loads of stuff I need! I live in a relatively small village with no cases that I know about but it's still scary. No online delivery slots anymore where I live so I have no choice.
It's so hard but we need to do it !

[Freddiefox]

Yanbu, I’m scared too. We’ve not been out for a week

[Legoandloldolls]

It should be relativity safe compared to the corner shop. I miss shopping 😭 but a mum of 4 so scared of going due to being judged on the amount I need to buy. I'm going to wait it out until I'm desperate or just ask dh to go. It's his turn I'm.sure

[MayDayHelp]

Thanks everyone, yes I can leave the DC at home, my eldest is nearly 16. They will happily stare at screens until I’m back.

[Littleshortcake]

I think you will be fine. I am also avoiding going too often but ours are quiet here. Lots of protection and distancing.

[MayDayHelp]

Have been checking every day for click and collect slots but no joy.

[TW2013]

Depending on what their needs are some food wholesalers are doing deliveries- you can choose what you want, the selection is a little... eclectic but might be what you need. Catering size tins, we are planning to freeze some into smaller portions.

[MayDayHelp]

@Legoandloldolls 😂 yep it’s definitely DH’s turn I reckon.

[Sparklingbrook]

The people that work in the supermarkets must be pretty freaked out themselves being in there all day 'risking their lives'.

I get the impression that it's very well organised now with reduced numbers being let in and screens etc at the tills.

[MayDayHelp]

@TW2013 problem is my freezer is pretty tiny so haven’t got room for 18 tubs of baked beans etc

[Honeyroar]

I went to a big supermarket this week to top up some people in isolation. I wasn’t looking forward to it at all, but actually I was very surprised at how well and efficiently they were handling it. In fact I came away wishing all supermarket shops could be that peaceful!

[MayDayHelp]

@Sparklingbrook I bet they are, I really feel for them. One of my best friends is a Tesco manager and I know she’s nearly at breaking point with all the stress. She posted on fb the other day pleading with people not to come in If they only needed a couple of things.

[Namechangedforthisreply7]

Stop panicking! It’s fine to go to the supermarket. They are running a very slick and safe service. You need to calm down or your kids are going to pick up on your tension. You cannot eliminate all risk. You will be fine.

[Ragwort]

I have experienced no problems at all doing a supermarket shop, maybe avoid a massive one if you are so anxious? I go to our local Sainsburys a couple of times a week (I also shop for elderly neighbours), it isn’t crowded, no one gets too close, I wear gloves. Maybe I am being reckless but it wouldn’t occur to me not to go (taking sensible precautions of course).

[NellMangel]

I feel the same way OP. I've not left the house for 15 days. I had a decent supply. Then my mum has been adding bits to her online shop. I've found a couple of local options for delivery of fruit/veg/milk. Think I will just accept I cant get everything I want and stick to the things I can get delivered.

Ironically the anxiety is making me nauseous so if I do eat I immediately feel sick.

[WorraLiberty]

I went to the supermarket for the first time last week (I'd previously been getting deliveries) and I was really pleasantly surprised at how calm and orderly it was.

The queue outside looked a bit daunting but we were allowed in within 5 minutes of joining it and only a small queue for the checkout.

That was Lidl and Iceland next door had no queue at all. Mind you we passed Asda on the way and the queue was right round their massive car park.

[MayDayHelp]

I am feeling much better about going and glad I posted rather than spend the next week or so panicking about it. Are masks the done thing there now?

[Whatevernext1]

@Sparklingbrook you couldn't be more right on that. I'm due back at work in a supermarket on Saturday after self isolating for two freaks. I'm absolutely terrified of going back. My anxiety has completely sky rocketed and I have been considering resigning. I'm asthmatic too and also live with somebody extremely vulnerable. I will never forgive myself if I bring something home and pass it on. We didn't sign up for this.
Thank you to all of the wonderful NHS and other key workers out there.

[MayDayHelp]

@whatevernext11 I’m sure nobody would judge you at all in your situation if you resigned. I know in my local area the local supermarkets looking for new temporary workers have had no problem finding staff, with so many people recently out of work.

[Whatevernext1]

Typo - Weeks not freaks 🙈 I blame my anxiety!

[Macncheeseballs]

I think corner shops are a safer bet than super markets