This corona virus is sending me over the edge

[brainfogg]

I know no one can tell me it will be ok but I haven’t had anxiety this out of control in about a year. It’s been managed fairly well with meds and I haven’t had any OCD symptoms in ages but it’s all coming back.

I’m washing my hands obsessively, using lots of hand gel, checking the news every 20 mins, not sleeping, last night when DH got back from shopping I wiped every single item with antibacterial spray. Never don’t that before.

My heart is racing constantly, I’m not getting on with things I need to do, I’m debating ordering masks but read they don’t do much. So then I’m thinking get my immune system stronger but what if it mutates into a virus that causes that overreaction of the immune system? Cykotine storm I think. So maybe I’m better not strengthening it too much.

I have a part time job that involves looking after children and am thinking I shouldn’t go because I’m scared I’ll pass it to them or them to me but we need the money.

Sorry for the very long post. I’m in turmoil and I hate that because it’s so selfish of me, there’s people truly suffering and I genuinely want them not to be. I find this world very hard to cope with.

[dementedpixie]

Have you been to China? Do you know anyone who has? It's unlikely for you to have contact with anyone who has it. Maybe you need to seek more help for your anxiety

[Clymene]

You need to see your GP because you're in the grip of a mental health crisis.

[june2007]

DEf seek help your fear is irrational.

[Selfsettling3]

You definitely need to seek medical help. Try reading some of the corona virus threads on MN as they put things into statical reference is your more likely to get x, y and x than corona.

Washing your hand when you come home from being out is always a good idea but repeated washing will just damage your skin leading to an increased risk of catching an infection into an open wound. Corona is a virus and antibacterial products kill bacteria not viruses so it won’t help nor is it necessary.

[brainfogg]

Thanks for the replies, no not been to China or know anyone but out of the people I’m going to encounter, ANY of them could have come from there recently.

You’re right I need to speak to someone, I’m actually too scared to go to the GP surgery because of any germs that might be there so that’s a problem too, I will try to speak to them over the phone in the morning.

It’s horrible feeling so erratic.

[brainfogg]

About the hand wash and gel, it says that it kills both bacteria and viruses. Probably not this one though I’d imagine but it helps me feel more in control.

[madeyemoodysmum]

I hate it when this kind of thing happens too. I was terrible during Ebola but it seemed to become controlled so I felt better. Now if they talk about it I barely even register.

Don't read the threads on here. I don't find them at all helpful as it's always a mix of positive and doom.

The bbc I find has the most balance coverage and don't tend to be sensationalist I find that most helpful.

Also China is doing the right thing by shut down movements.

But I'd agree with others. Talk to a GP. You won't be the only one believe me. X

[user1485461206]

I came on here to write a post but then saw this and this probably would have been it, I have health anxiety and general anxiety everyday and just got over a really bad episode over Christmas finally feeling back to normal, didn’t even read the news and then someone at work mentioned it, so I had to look, sadly I looked on the daily mail and there was about 10 stories of doomsday stuff plus bad comments, I’ve learned to stick to the bbc they tend to stick to the facts but I have found myself waking up in the night to check the current stats from China then lying awake, had a panic attack in Asda yesterday because someone coughed near me and my daughter, I’ve also started obsessing over hand washing, my hands are red and sore now, I’ve also gone overboard on my daughter washing hers, I even stopped her going to a party today because of my fears and I know this is wrong; my husband is upset with me also because of the way I am acting, lying around constantly on my phone googling, I haven’t eaten in 3 days, but then outside my window I see everyone is going about their normal business and I try and rationalise that I am the normal one but really they are, the health gov website has some very up to date facts, over 50 people have been tested all negative, I hate the fear of the unknown but I think I need to step back from reading the news all together and if I can’t be trusted to literally leave my phone off so I don’t go looking, my husband is kept well up to date with things and he isn’t worried, he’s concerned for the people of China like I am sure everyone is but he said worry is low here and I need to stop it.
I really feel for what you are going through though, I completely sympathise with you because it’s horrible to feel this way, I have my first therapy session on Thursday and of course I will talk to her about this and hope she can help me with ways on how to calm down and stop overthinking.
I am positive there is many people in our situation but we can’t let this ruin everything else in our lives, after 4 days of this I think I need to pull myself together, my friend has family in Hong Kong and she said even they aren’t that worried normal life is carrying on which I’m sure for most of the Chinese provinces not on lockdown are also doing, sadly they’ve been through this before with SARS and they do seem like they are taking it more seriously and being more prepared this time for their people.
I hope you get some form of help and ease x

[brainfogg]

Thanks @madeyemoodysmum I’ve read a couple of the threads and they’ve been a bit helpful but I also went on to Reddit and that was a huge mistake as it just made me feel a whole lot worse.
I like the BBC reporting too, it seems a bit calmer whereas the Mail had a headline earlier today that was pure sensationalism and it’s just not helpful!
I’m sorry you struggle too with this it’s horrible isn’t it? Thanks for being so kind xx

@user1485461206 oh my heart goes out to you so much. You’re really going through it and I can feel your despair! I relate to everything you say, it’s very hard to get across to people who don’t feel like us, that sheer panic and terror and how it causes actual physical symptoms. I can’t sleep either for worrying. It’s reassuring what your husband says though and your friend in Hong Kong, I hope she’s ok.

All we can do is get through it bit by bit and try to read all sides of it I guess so we don’t only see/hear the extreme stuff. That’s good about therapy this week, it will be a relief for you to talk to someone. Thanks for your kind words x

[brainfogg]

Sorry I meant your friend’s family.

[madeyemoodysmum]

I dont know how to link names but just come back to this thread if you want to off load.

Hoping you get a restful night. In a few weeks we will have more certainty
Try not to worry in the meantime.

Remember China is still a developing country in many ways and health care won't be that of Europe.

[yougotanology]

I remember the SARS, bird flu, Ebola and CJD fears.

I remember them because my anxiety was untreated at the time, I have since been to the GP and been on anti-anxiety meds for a few years.

I have absolutely no concerns re Corona - a stark contrast to the others listed above where I spun out of control with worry, even though I knew that my risk was low.

I really hope you get the courage to see GP. In the kindest possible way, your fears are beyond what I would call 'normal' and it's not fair on you to live like this.

Good luck

[AutumnCrow]

I posted this article on another thread. It's very helpful in terms of practical advice, staying in control, and putting things in perspective.

www.theguardian.com/science/2020/jan/27/coronavirus-how-to-protect-yourself-from-infection

[brainfogg]

Thanks for the kind replies

Well I couldn’t get a gp appointment for today and in all honestly it would have made my anxiety worse, having to sit in a crowded room full of potentially ill people.

Thank you @AutumnCrow That article really is helpful and I’ll try to read stuff like that instead of the things I’ve been fixating on.

Today has been a bad day, I’m supposed to be going to the cinema weds and I’m thinking that it’s best to cancel, can I ask would that be being ridiculous? I’d be letting a friend down but I’ve been worrying non stop about it.

[madeyemoodysmum]

There is no point in cancelling. It it still only in China presently Tho I admit I've not watch news for 24 hours now.

My son has been off school with temp and sore throat and at no time have I worried it's CV. It's just a regular virus.

Really and truly in the nicest way until we are told otherwise do go about your life normally.

[brainfogg]

Thank you @madeyemoodysmum I will go. Sorry to hear about your son, hope he gets better ASAP You’re right, we just need to carry on as normal for now.

[yougotanology]

Can you ask for a telephone appt in the first instance? You can explain your anxiety over being in a waiting room (in some surgeries you can be put in another room on your own, like isolation?)

I do know how you're feeling - I've been there and I know how much better I feel for getting help - whatever shape that takes - I couldn't do it on my own.

Thinking of you.

[Pinkbonbon]

Even if it was, only a small amount of people die from it. The same way only a small amount of people die from the flu or other viruses. Presumably more likely the very young and the elderly and those with otherwise compromised immune systems. So chances are in the highly, highly unlikely event you caught it, you'd be fine anyway. I mean, have you ever had the flu? I had it once, knocked me on my ass for about three weeks...but I actually found it funny too. Like in a 'bitch, please' kinda way. I mean, is being sick really a big deal anyway? You mostly just get on with things right? At least if it was this you'd have an excuse to miss work for a few weeks (...or die and never have to go back lol).

I had ocd and germphobia as a teen with obsessive hand washing so I know how stressful it can be though. But really if you get to grips with the fact that the thing you are scared off happening, isnt really that scary, it helps...well, or you end up focussing on something else lol. But yeah, don't be scared of some silly virus (that experts have said isn't really a particularly worrying strain anyway).

[brainfogg]

@yougotanology I actually spoke to my surgery today and have booked an appointment for next week as they wanted to review my meds and called me, I was in a public place with kids and didn’t have chance to get into my anxiety but I’m going to call back tomorrow and see if it can be done via the phone. Thank you for being so kind

@Pinkbonbon your post made me smile so thank you for that! I totally get the ‘Bitch, please’ vibe you’re talking about. I’ve had flu twice as an adult that I can remember and both times I did actually think in was dying at some points of it. Such an awful virus, I remember in 2008 when I had it taking about 6 weeks after it went to feel totally back to normal.

Your advice really helps actually, knowing you’ve been through those germphobic feelings and compulsions. I’m glad you’re in a better place now mentally

Well I went to work today and braved some situations when there were probably germs everywhere (I’m a part time nanny) and although I washed my hands several times and used lots of the gel I just got on with it and tried not to panic.

Will take it one day at a time for now, this thread is helping lots.

[Nogodsnomasters]

Just want to send some hugs op, I'm not concerned over coronavirus but I've been entirely freaked out over many others and know exactly how all consuming it is. Distraction is the key so going to work is good. You'll get through this and I'm 100 percent certain you will not be physically affected by this illness, you're mind is allowing you to be mentally affected however.

[WellFunnyYouShouldSayThat]

Good for you - you are not alone in your feelings and you don't have to battle this on your own.

Until you get to see the doc, try some calming exercises. Deep breathing, exercise, distraction. Lots of useful tips on the internet.

Good luck to you.

[brainfogg]

Thanks for the hugs @Nogodsnomasters - much appreciated. You’re right, distraction is a big help. Well I see it’s been declared a health emergency this evening, that hasn’t helped my anxiety much Really feeling like staying indoors all the time now.

@WellFunnyYouShouldSayThat thanks so much I’ve done a bit of meditation and I listen to ASMR most nights which helps. Also found some good shows on Netflix for when insomnia takes hold. I know it’s not ideal but better to lie awake watching something entertaining than lie awake terrified.

[Nogodsnomasters]

Completely understand that, many times I've wanted to lock my door and not let anyone in or out but unfortunately it just cannot be that way and even if we could, yes we'd feel safer but anxiety would have won. And we don't want that, we want to live our lives and tell anxiety to piss off, you don't control me as much as you'd like to. Xx

[Bluntness100]

Do the facts not help you? For example 97 percent of people who get it won't know they have it and will get better without medical intervention, they will think it's a cold? And that those who do get ill from it, and need medical help are the elderly and those with long term/serious illnesses?

Can uou put it into perspective logically?

[madeyemoodysmum]

The fact it's now been declared can only be a good thing as more stringent restrictions will be put in place. Try to focus on that. X