To feel panic-stricken

[JudesBiggestFan]

...about what has happened to us all so quickly. Day to day I'm coping fine...working from home, looking after the children, going for my one walk a day. But then I have moments of absolute panic at the freedom we have lost and an overwhelming fear over how long it will take to get it back again. I don't vocalise it in real life because it seems against the grain and against the national effort sort of thing. But I've lived my whole 40 years in a liberal democracy and all of a sudden we're having hotlines set up so people can snitch on their neighbours for leaving their houses too often! I suppose I just didn't realise how quickly and easily liberty could be removed and with most people barely murmuring.

Focus on what you are gaining and the purpose of this. When the thoughts creep bring yourself back to right here right now by naming 3 things you can see, smell and hear.
Stay away from triggers like limit amount of daily news, dont read triggering threads. You could also keep a journal or blog but when you get these panicky thoughts promise yourself to shelf them for now then give yourself 'worry time' like 15 minutes followed by writing or typing in your journal or blog.

I have this, I have spoken to others about it, and they have it too.

Its normal, we are going through a huge crisis - who wouldn't feel panic and fear when faced with this. PP has made some good suggestions about bringing your feeling back under control, I would also say it is good to validate them too. It is okay to be scared, it will pass.

We are not about to lose our liberty, all the measures are purely there to keep people safe, and will be removed once this is over. Just relax, accept it is going to be pretty grim for the next two weeks, and keep going. It is all we can do, support those in need and be kind to everyone around us.

Keep in mind the liberty of those caring for people in ICU and focus on others. It's for the greater good and no longer about individual gains.

Given this is a medical crisis it doesn't bother me. A different more political reason then yes, and there would have been uproar, but this is for our own wellbeing. I don't want to loose my parents, my husband, my child, my sisters, nieces, in laws. Not one of them. I'll do whatever it takes to protect them and help ensure the treatment they need is available if they need it. The thought of sitting at home /in a waiting room unable to get medical care for my baby - that makes me panic. Not staying at home to stay safe.