How are you managing your coronavirus anxiety?

[Auntiedotty]

I have found myself becoming extremely anxious over the last few days to the point I am losing sleep and every thought I have seems to be around the current situation. I am wondering if anyone can suggest any methods you are using to manage anxiety around this or things you have maybe read that have calmed you as I can't continue in this heightened state.
Thank you

Not looking on the threads on here.

There is hysteria and bullshit being spouted, one person makes one statement and another comes on and declares its total bollocks. I just don't know what to believe and that is making me more anxious than the virus itself!

I had a telephone appt with my GP today (telephone appts only now) and explained I was anxious before but it's getting worse

He has prescribed pills I didn't want and told me to go to library and get a book on mindfulness.

Feel rubbish, can't sleep, can't keep off the Coronavirus boards and news, even waking to check the news.

I'm trying to remain calm and focused on other things or I'll lose my mind with worry over this cv.
I try and not read too much into what I read in here on social media etc but it's hard when it's all over the papers and news then your mind does wander and you start to panic as soon as you cough etc not really slept well in a few days just with worry

I'm not managing it well. I am trying to reduce anti-depressants. I work in a high risk environment and have a DH with long standing respiratory problems. I am getting increasingly exasperated with him for not staying home from work and sometimes not seeming to appreciate the enormity of the situation right now.

First off gain perspective. Global deaths 5k. So ten per cent of the London blitz. Most people will be fine with minor to moderate symptoms. Everyone in the same boat.
What I visualise in any scenario the scares me is a roller coaster, the bar comes down - whilst you could never let the break off - life does! However all you have to do is hold on and you will get to the end. Works for me but I am but a simple soul!

Thanks all. Going to put some of these into practice today. I suppose controlling what is within my control and letting go of what is not is a good place to start. Ive been obsessively washing my hands to the point they are cracked and so sore, constantly refreshing and updating between the cv board, bbc news, local news and the .Gov site with the figures on. I have been obsessive about hygiene and cleanliness, getting all family to change clothes when coming into the house, daily hair washing, and washing and cleaning anything and everything. I need to calm down with this for mine and my family's wellbeing.
I hope you all find ways to manage your anxiety too

Not very well so far tbh. It only came on yesterday.

I had a panic attack and cried a lot. Frustration about two holidays we won't be having that we re were so excited about. An impending sense of doom. Worrying about the fallout, worrying about my parents.

My plan for today is to have a short walk (no symptoms here) and play with the DCs.

Wine! And gin.

*Stay off MN CV boards
*Stay off all social media/news coverage
*Practise simple method I've been taught my another mnetter on another long standing thread
1,2,3,4
1,distract-
see a quilt,crochet,paint your kitchen etc.something tangible you can see your efforts of
2,prevention
Feed everyone as well as you can
Few extra wipes door handles etc and make sure everyone washes hands coming into the house and after loo/before eating etc
3.fresh air and exercise-
Important for mental health
If you have a garden to potter in start making plans,dig a border,trim a shrub
Or go for a drive into countryside and have a walk/run.get some bracing wind in your hair or sun on your face and drink it all in
4 relaxation and mindfulness
Start a journal of things you are grateful for,find a meditation app or a yoga online session and use it often.7/11 breathing(in for count of 7,brief hold and slowly out for 11) or visualise a candle and blow on the flame trying NOT to blow it out in a long slow breath

Also do something for others is a great way to boost MH.buy something for food banks,they're struggling for donations even more than usual as panic buying sets in
Check on elderly neighbour and take their phone number promising ring them every couple of days for a few minutes- you could be only voice they hear if not tech savvy and fearful to go out
Ask neighbours you know well if they would doorstep drop for you if you are self isolating and offer same for them

This is a time for people to be kind to themselves and each other

I just started a new thread as didn't spot this one, I feel like I'm on verge of breakdown I'm petrified

I've never had anxiety in my life but I'm proper greeting and everything about it

I'm scared me and my kids are gonna die

Fab advice @Stilllivinginazoo thank you I have screenshotted for when I am in the midst of anxiety and I hope it can help others too.
@Salene @Bluewavescrashing please know that you are not alone in this. I posted as felt totally alone everyone in my life is still in the "it's just like flu" " there is too much hype around it" camp and I'm just not. I'm struggling and worrying 90%+ of every day. And it's good to know others are too x

I’m struggling a bit. I’ve had my anxiety under control for years buts it’s flaring a bit now. The dc are off school here in Ireland and that has helped me greatly.

It doesn’t help that it’s all anyone talks about at the moment. I’m not seeing the gps but phoning for chats as they’re lonely and it’s the main topic of conversation.

I find it’s easier when I’m being proactive but I’m running out of things to clean, organise and buy. I’ve sorted out all the paperwork that’s been sitting around for the last ten years. But I’m basically sorting out my affairs, or death cleaning, which isn’t exactly cheerful.

I’m finding it hard to find the right balance between preparedness and anxiety. And it’s fine for people to say “it’ll be fine” but myself and dh are higher risk, 3 out of 4 grandparents are very high risk, and I wouldn’t rate the chances of sil and bil either. Financially we could be badly affected too. Not everyone is as vulnerable but I’m worried for my dc - not catching it, but what might happen to them if I die.

Today I’m going to seek out some nice podcasts, kindle and audio books, and update my Netflix list so I can distract and escape for a while. I’m not sure how much it will help as I find myself tuning out and the doom and gloom in my head taking over.

Gardening might be a good shout.