Dealing with severe anxiety

[hlouiseh]

Has anyone got any tips on dealing with anxiety specifically related to coronavirus?

I've been up and down with anxiety for years and used to flare ups and how to manage them, however most of the things I'd do are now impossible. Eg, seeing friends, getting a massage or haircut, shopping, throwing myself into work. I've been furloughed and had a baby a few weeks ago so am aware a certain amount of this could be baby blues related.

I had a sudden onset of severe anxiety this afternoon and now feel terrified I'm going to get coronavirus, terrified I'll die etc, plus the obvious job and money concerns. I have savings but suddenly feel as though they'll be wiped out by some hyper inflation thing and that I'll lose my job even though my boss has said it's unlikely.

Help! I'm really struggling. I know I'm far from alone but the uncertainty and seemingly endless bad news is making me feel so low!

[Realitea]

I know how you feel 😔
Try the headspace app for some moments of calm. Remember every day is a new start and these feelings will pass

[Dorual]

Hello @hlouiseh

You've recently had a baby... hormones will be all over the place in addition to your pre existing anxiety - I can hear how worried you are.

Anxiety is a normal response to fear, especially to the unknown, and paticularly at the moment, most of us are feeling this to some extent. None of us know anything for certain, and we cannot control everything. It's really hard.

Remind yourself that anxiety is your body's normal response to stress, and that you are are probably on high alert as your body's way of dealing with perceived threat.

Accept tour anxious feelings and let them pass through you. They are normal. Then, try to figure out the physical symptoms that are stemming from it. Ease the physical manifestations of anxiety by 7-11 breathing or a grounding exercise: stop what you're doing, name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, then on one, say "I am safe".

Live in the here and now. If you feel anxiety setting in, acknowledge it, and then immediately start an activity like reading a book, or gentle exercise, or do a couple of laps around the garden. Facetime a friend. Put some happy music on. Do some yoga. Bake. Practice mindfulness.

At night time practice progressive muscle relaxation or listen to nature sounds. Focus on the things you can control, not the things you can't.

Xx

[Dorual]

P.S do not watch the news. Try avoiding the news for a few days and see the difference.